A Laugh Pays Best In The End
These poems remind us that a smile and a laugh can lighten a heavy day and help someone feel less alone.
Laughter brings light to the heart, and kindness gives it a place to stay
Updated January 20, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer
Sometimes life feels heavy, and worry shows up without warning. That is why a smile can be such a gift. When we laugh, even for a moment, we breathe a little easier and we remember that better days can still come.
These short poems encourage us to bring cheer to others. A kind word, a funny thought, or a warm smile can change the tone of a whole day. And often, when we lift someone else up, our own heart feels lifted too.
A Laugh Pays Best In The End
When a man meets a friend with a cloud on his brow,
And a look that shows worry and fret,
He should use every effort to lighten his care.
And to make him feel glad that they met.
He should do all he can to bring cheer to the heart,
And a smile to the lips of his friend.
For a joke that is merry does any man good.
And a laugh pays the best in the end.
For a smile on the lips, and a smile in the heart.
And a face that is sunny and bright,
Bring a message of gladness to all that you meet.
And will help them to turn to the light.
Every voice should be raised in a song of good cheer,
All our strength to that cause we should lend.
For a smile's an investment worth making, my dear,
And a laugh pays the best, in the end.
When you meet an old friend who's at odds with the world.
And who feels that he's out of the race.
Use your utmost endeavors to gladden his heart,
And to bring back the smile to his face.
For it isn't advice that will help him the most.
Or the money you'd willingly spend.
It's the smile and the cheer that take loads from the mind,
It's the laugh that pays best in the end.
Learn To Laugh
Learn to laugh,
A good laugh is better than medicine.
Learn to tell a story,
A well told story is as welcome as
A sunbeam in a sick room.
Learn to keep your own troubles to yourself.
The world is too busy to care for your ills and sorrows.
Learn to do something for others.
Even if you are a bedridden invalid there is
Always something that you can do to
Make others happier and that is the
Surest way to attain happiness for yourself.
Your Troubles
Build for yourself a strong box.
Fashion each part with care,
And when you have it completed.
Put all your troubles there;
Hide there all thoughts of failures,
And each bitter cup that you quaff.
Lock all of your heartaches in it,
Then sit on the lid and laugh.
Always Happy
I know a funny little fellow, the happiest ever born;
His face is like a beam of joy, although his clothes are torn —
I saw him tumble on his nose and waited for a groan,
But how he laughed, do you suppose —struck his funny bone?
There is sunshine in each word he speaks,
His laugh is something grand —
His dimples overrun his cheeks
Like waves on snowy sand.
No matter how the day may go
You cannot make him cry;
He's worth a dozen boys I know
Who pant and mope and sigh.
When We Were Boys
Oh, the days when we were boys!
Life had sunshine, health, and joys;
Rosy, hearty, fresh, and fair,
Full of life, we children were.
Shoeless, hatless, coatless, too;
Through rent garments breezes blew:
Active, agile, playful, wild -
Who is happier than a child?
Quick to laugh and jump and run,
Fond of sunshine, full of fun,
Shouting, swinging on the gate,
Bound for school - "You'll be too late!"
Ah! those days have passed away;
Brows are wrinkled, hair grown gray;
Yet I love their cheer and noise,
And my heart says, "Bless the boys!"
Bless the laughing, shouting boys,
With their pleasures, plays, and joys!
May they think of God in youth,
And grow up in grace and truth.
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Conclusion
A laugh may seem small, but it can do big things. It can soften worry, calm the mind, and remind us that we are not meant to carry everything alone. As you read these poems, think of someone who needs a little cheer today. A smile shared is never wasted, and laughter truly does pay best in the end.
More Smile Poems to Lift Your Spirits
Choose a little joy today, and pass it on with a smile.