When you live and thrive
to find your way, survive,
you cannot cope for miles
without a stranger’s smile;
when in misery alone
your heart will turn to stone
and in sorrow wither down
so beam your best to own
the better of yourself.
Jean Dubuffet
Today it is time to start writing again after the holiday, and what better way of doing it is than to write the Quadrille at dVerse with the word today is smile.
January 12. 2026
Björn Rudbergs writings 
I love your quadrille and the picture you chose. You are so right, we need to lift each other up, and a smile can do so much.
I find it so hard to smile…. but I know it is needed.
I especially love the way your opening lines flow, Bjorn. And SO true!
Smile to that 😄😄
Much wisdom there, Bjorn. A smile can transform so many things, especially when it comes from the heart.
A smile is not a grin
the smile of a stranger is always welcome
This is incredibly deep and poignant, Bjorn! I love the flow throughout the poem ❤️❤️
a simple wisdom with a wide (smile) effect
Wishing you all the bedt in 2026, lots of smiles
🎇much love
The last two lines are reallly lovely.
Lifting others up and looking for support, that gives everyone strength
Fine work indeed, Bjorn. And I;m diggin the artwork, too. Thanks
Wonderful illustration for this….and oh my yes! To receive a smile means the world….especially when unexpected or, for example, from a stranger walking past you on the street. I’ve always loved the saying, A frown upside down is a smile 🙂
Nothing better than a stranger’s smile, or a kind word out of the blue.