I love this poem! I read it first in French.
Then in the last few years I’ve seen it floating around in English as author “unknown”.
For the record, it was published in French in 1920, almost 100 years ago by Raoul Follereau, “Le Livre d’amour” (1920). French author 1903-1977 **
So, instead of republishing what is probably someone’s translation into English a work that was originally written in French, I’m going to do something different, and do my own interlinear translation. (By the way, did I mention that I speak French?)
Un Sourire ne Coûte Rien
By Raoul Follereau
A Smile Costs Nothing
By Raoul Follereau
“Un sourire ne coûte rien et produit beaucoup.
A smile costs nothing and produces much.
Il enrichit ceux qui le reçoivent
Sans appauvrir ceux qui le donnent.
It enriches those who receive it without impoverishing those who give it.
Il ne dure qu’un instant
Mais son souvenir est parfois éternel.
It only lasts an instant, but the memory of it is sometimes eternal.
Personne n’est assez riche pour s’en passer,
No one is rich enough to go without
Personne n’est assez pauvre pour ne pas le mériter
And no one is poor enough not to deserve it
Il crée le bonheur au foyer,
It creates happiness at home,
soutient les affaires.
Stimulates business.
Il est le signe sensible de l’amitié.
It is the sweet sign of friendship.
Un sourire donne du repos à l’être fatigué,
A smile gives rest to the weary,
Rend du courage aux plus découragés.
Gives courage to even the most discouraged.
Il ne peut ni s’acheter, ni se prêter, ni se voler,
It can neither be bought, nor lent, nor stolen,
Car c’est une chose qui n’a de valeur
For it is a thing that only has value
Qu’à partir du moment où il se donne.
Beginning the moment at which it is given.
Et si parfois vous rencontrez une personne
And if sometimes you meet a person
Qui ne sait plus avoir le sourire,
Who no longer knows how to smile,
Soyez généreux, offrez-lui le vôtre…
Be generous, offer him yours…
Car nul n’a autant besoin d’un sourire
For none have more need of a smile
Que celui qui ne peut en donner aux autres.”
Than the one who is not able give one to others.
Raoul Follereau, “Le Livre d’amour” (1920). French author 1903-1977
Founder of la Fondation Raoul-Follereau which since 1967 helps and defends lepers, especially in the countries of Africa
** Read more at http://dicocitations.lemonde.fr/auteur/6355/Raoul_Follereau.php#oy4XP1hdl6XbBUFx.99
Wonderful poem. Thank you for sharing and the translation!
Blessings,
Homer Les
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You’re welcome! Glad you liked it!
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What a great poem. So timeless. What’s better than a smile? When it is accompanied by joyful laughter. It’s like sprinkles on cake or hot fudge on ice cream.
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Yes, timeless is right! Who would think that the poem was published almost 100 years ago?!
Mmm. You’re making me hungry talking about hot fudge on ice cream! 😀
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😊 🍦
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Beautiful! Love the way you formatted it also!!
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Thank you, Alicia! I was trying to figure out how to emphasize the English portion since most of my readers are anglophones!
Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
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I love this poem! I can’t recall where I read it before, but it’s a beautiful masterpiece. Thanks for sharing. 💙
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Hi, Diana! Maybe you read it in French? Yes, I agree; it is a beautiful masterpiece! I thought about sharing it a long time ago when I first learned that the English poetry sites I visited had it listed as author “Unknown”. But I wasn’t sure how to go about it. I finally got a chance to sit down and think about it. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
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Perhaps, but I am not sure. All I know is that I am certainly glad that you shared this wonderful piece and it brought a smile to my face. 💙 Blessed new week to you!
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It makes me smile to know that it makes you smile! 😊😊
Thank you, and a blessed week to you as well!
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You’re welcome and thank you!
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Great poem. Smiles are blessings we should give more often!
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Thank you, Sheila! And I agree!
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Love this poem, truly what a blessing a smile can be and what joy it brings to the one receiving it. God bless you
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Yes, Brenda, it truly is a blessing and brings joy!
Thank you! And blessings to you, as well!
😊
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A smile is so simple yet so powerful!
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Yes, it is! 😊
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What a sweet poem, Ruth. Yes, a smile is the perfect gift. It costs nothing and is easy to exchange. 😉
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