Why I Smile by Kate Slaughter McKinney

I smile because the world is fair;
Because the sky is blue.
Because I find, no matter where
I go, a friend that’s true.

I smile because the earth is green,
The sun so near and bright,
Because the days that o’er us lean
Are full of warmth and light.

I smile as past the yards I go,
Though strange and new the place,
The violets seem my step to know,
And look up in my face.

I smile to hear the robin’s note.
He comes so newly dressed,
A love song throbbing in his throat,
A rose pinned on his breast.

And so the truth I’ll not disown,
Because the spring is nigh;
My heart has somewhat better grown,
And I forget to sigh.