If I Knew by Maud Wyman

If I knew a box where the smiles are 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 the 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.