God has allowed my life.
With an accepted work ethic.
To do what needs to be done.
And applying effort to it!

My mother taught me this,
As I watched her struggle...
With smiling closed lips.
From plucking feathers off chickens.
To working on her feet,
While completing her duties...
As a hired machinist.
To ensure my sisters and I...
Were sheltered.
Ate!
Clothed and kept clean!

God has allowed my life...
To expose it in composition.
And to do that in a way,
To use praise as the condition.
With smiling closed lips...
Uplifting so much pride,
I have inside!

Lawrence S. Pertillar

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/with-smiling-closed-lips/