Smiles by Maxwell Bodenheim (1920)
The work explores the complexity of human emotions through the lens of smiles, which serve as a façade for deeper feelings and unexpressed thoughts. It presents a series of vignettes featuring various characters, each revealing their inner struggles and vulnerabilities. The narrative begins with a shop-girl whose smile masks her fears and unfulfilled desires. Her expression is contrasted with that of a plump girl, who, despite her own solitude, remains unaware of the emotional weight carried by others. An old man’s smile hints at past regrets, suggesting a life burdened by unfulfilled obligations. As the poem progresses, it delves into the theme of isolation, illustrating how smiles can be deceptive, often concealing pain and longing. The imagery evokes a sense of melancholy, as characters grapple with their realities while attempting to project happiness. The smiles become symbols of unspoken truths, representing the disconnect between outward appearances and inner turmoil. The work ultimately reflects on the nature of communication, emphasizing that smiles can convey meanings that words fail to express. It highlights the universal experience of loneliness and the human tendency to hide true emotions behind a veneer of cheerfulness. Through vivid imagery and poignant observations, the narrative captures the essence of human experience, revealing the profound impact of unvoiced sentiments.
By Maxwell Bodenheim · First published 1920 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Modernism · 210 words
First lines
Smiles are the words beyond the words That thoughts abandon helplessly. Upon this nervous shop-girl's face, Where clusters of tiny limpness meet, A frightened spark leaps high and drops Into the hot pause of a banished love. A lustrelessly plump Girl beside her does not know That her face for moments glows Into a helpless solitude. Upon an old man's face Are gleams of meek embarrassment -- The faded presence of some old debt? This woman's face is scorched By a torch that falls from weary hands And makes her laugh an unheard lie. The face of this tamed sprite Shimmers with an understanding Of the opaque loss she cannot bear, And I see that smiles are sometimes Words beyond the words That thoughts abandon hopefully.
What this Textopian page supports
Smiles is listed on Textopian as a poem by Maxwell Bodenheim, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Maxwell Bodenheim
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Modernism, Romanticism, Existentialism
- Length: 210 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotions and imagery.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Modernism — The themes of alienation and introspection align with modernist literary movements.
- Romanticism — The exploration of deep emotions and individual experience reflects romantic ideals.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Relationships · Emotions · Feelings · Sensuality · Intimacy · Passion · Desire · Longing · Loss