Smiles

From "Primary Language Lessons" by Emma Serl:

If I Knew

If I knew a box where the smiles are kept,

No matter how large the key

Or strong the bolt, I would try so hard

'Twould open, I know, for me;

Then over the land and sea broadcast,

I'd scatter the smiles to play,

That the children's faces might hold them fast

For many and many a day.

If I knew a box that was large enough

To hold all the frowns I meet,

I would like to gather them every one,

From nursery, school, and street;

Then folding and holding, I'd pack them in,

And turning the monster key,

I'd hire a giant to drop the box

To the depths of the deep, deep sea.

-Maud Wyman