If I knew the box where the smiles were 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 the 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.
