This poem discusses how people react differently depending on one's mood and behavior. It notes that when one smiles and laughs, everyone is with them, but when one shrieks and cries, no one is near. It encourages the reader to be brave and daring, as the world will be behind them, but if they are meek and dull, the world will run away. Finally, it states that when one is happy, they will have many friends, but if sad, there will be nobody left.