If I knew...

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 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 gather them, every one,

From nursery, school, and street;

Then, folding and holding, I'd pack them in

And turn the monster key,

And hire a giant to drop the box

To the depths of the deep, deep sea.