Which face grits its teeth to grin <br />how often lacks for real joy <br />and clenches its jaw while a spin <br />story maneuvers to deploy <br /> <br />What passes for a smile <br />or chuckles as with mirth <br />may be tending all the while <br />secret flames to scorch the earth <br /> <br />Where loudest laugher may burst <br />forth from lips pressed ribbon thin <br />convivial themes may not be the first <br />ideas claiming precedence within <br /> <br />Who blathers both often and loud <br />or makes of life an easy boast <br />may be the last one in the crowd <br />with a cause celebre to toast <br /> <br />While true joy secure in its quiet <br />seeks no acknowledgement for its part <br />content beyond any other requisite <br />abides the perfect bliss of a peaceful heart<br /><br />Mary Havran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/bliss-of-a-peaceful-heart/
