We first discovered this gorgeous and uplifting poem thanks to Ms Espinasse’s email blast and couldn’t resist sharing. Enjoy!
About the author
Raoul Follereau (1902-1977), who established World Leprosy day and who, throughout his life, shared his compassion for victims of leprosy–as well as for victims of poverty, indifference, and injustice.
Every corner offers a new view to take your breath away. You can’t help but smile!
“Un Sourire” “A Smile”
Un sourire ne coûte rien et produit beaucoup,
A smile costs nothing and produces much,
Il enrichit ceux qui le reçoivent,
It enriches the person who receives it
Sans appauvrir ceux qui le donnent.
without impoverishing the one who gives it.
Il ne dure qu’un instant,
It only lasts a moment,
Mais son souvenir est parfois éternel.
But sometimes its memory lasts forever.
Sharing a meal with friends underneath the beautiful Provencal sun is such a treat!
Personne n’est assez pauvre pour ne pas le mériter.
Nobody is poor enough to not deserve it.
Il crée le bonheur au foyer, soutient les affaires,
It creates happiness at home and sustains businesses,
Il est le signe sensible de l’amitié.
It is the visible sign of friendship.
Un sourire donne du repos à l’être fatigué.
A smile brings rest to the weary soul.
Suntanned and on vacation in Provence. The definition of happiness!
Il ne peut ni s’acheter, ni se prêter, ni se voler,
It cannot be bought, loaned or stolen,
Car c’est une chose qui n’a de valeur
For it is something that only has value
Qu’à partir du moment où il se donne.
At the very moment it is given.
Et si quelquefois vous rencontrez une personne
And if sometimes you meet someone
Qui ne sait plus avoir le sourire…
Who no longer knows how to smile…
Soyez généreux, donnez-lui le vôtre!
Be generous and give him yours!
Car nul n’a autant besoin d’un sourire…
As no one is more desperate for a smile…
Que celui qui ne peut en donner aux autres.
Than the one who is unable to give a smile to others.
Traveling with friends is the ultimate treat!
What a lovely thought. May your days be filled with smiles to give freely to others!
A Bientot,
