You don’t have to defend
Your right to be
When you’re in my company
I want what you want for you
For me too
The joy in your smile
Makes it all worthwhile
Is what I want to do
It’s about you being happy as can be
Just the way you are
When you’re with me
Is my gift to you
To me too
Just want to love you
Is all I can do
Just want to love you
Is all I can do
Just want to love you
Is all I can do
Just want to love you
Is all I can do
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Joy Smile is an intimate, heartwarming poem that radiates affection, presence, and unconditional acceptance. The poet explores the essence of love and companionship through simple, direct language, emphasising the joy found in shared moments and mutual happiness. The work conveys a sense of vulnerability and openness, celebrating the beauty of being together without the need for pretense or defence.
The opening lines, “You don’t have to defend / Your right to BE / When you’re in my company,” immediately set the tone of safety and acceptance. The poet offers a space where the other can simply exist, free from judgment or the pressure of self-justification. This establishes an emotional foundation for the poem, rooted in the understanding that love and connection do not require validation—they simply are.
The poem’s structure is conversational and intimate, marked by a rhythmic flow that mirrors the natural cadence of affection. Short, declarative sentences build into a cumulative expression of shared joy: “The joy in your smile / Makes it all worthwhile.” The repetition of “I want, what you want for you / For me too!” further reinforces the poem’s message of reciprocal love, where the happiness of one is inherently tied to the happiness of the other. There is a beautiful equality embedded here, an understanding that love is not about possession or sacrifice, but about shared joy and mutual benefit.
The imagery of the “joy in your smile” acts as a central, tender symbol in the poem. Smiles are often associated with openness and warmth, and here, the smile represents both the physical and emotional connection between the two individuals. This image anchors the poem in simplicity and sincerity, reinforcing the theme that happiness does not have to be complicated—it can be found in the smallest, most authentic expressions of being.
Stylistically, the poem uses repetition to strengthen its emotional core. The line “Just want to love you / Is all I can do” serves as a simple, humble declaration of intent. It’s a statement of pure affection, with no demands or expectations—just the desire to give love freely. The lack of ornate language further supports the idea of love as something uncomplicated and natural.
The closing lines, “Is my gift to you, to me too,” encapsulate the reciprocal nature of the bond. Love, in this poem, is not a one-way offering, but a shared experience that enriches both individuals. This exchange is the poet’s gift, highlighting how joy and love multiply when freely given.
In conclusion, Joy Smile is a tender and uncomplicated meditation on love and companionship. Its simplicity is its strength, offering a sincere expression of mutual respect and affection. Through its gentle language and rhythmic flow, the poem invites the reader to reflect on the beauty of unconditional love—a love that is not about achieving or gaining, but about being present, being happy, and sharing in joy together.