This Smile

Outside— her
obviously enviable,
pinky-peach palette
of ruffles and ruching
her
simpatico essence,
includes
a smile.

This smile
must have been
passed down
through generations.

One doesn’t
get
a smile
like that
just by
accident.

Careful planning
and a finesse
is needed
to find just
the right qualities
to introduce
something of pure
splendor
like this,
into the world.

It’s the kind that brags
eternal youth,
American
apple pie beauty
and a
deep peach
sun-tea
naiveté.

It’s welcoming,
and honest,
and true.
And exudes
an ease
that is attached
to a woman
of wisdom,
and strength—
Who at times
has had to
simply smile
just to get
through hardship
that has snuck
into her life.

At times I am
too far away
to witness
the visage of
tenderness
that is her smile.

But I know
that it is a
constant in
life—
just like how
each morning
in Summer,
when the sun
rises, and its
rays caress
the petals of
poppys and
morning glories,
they will
no doubt
open.

And with each
return
from wherever Life
has led me,
her sprawling,
deeply set
with use
smile,
appears—
And things just
seem to
fall into place
easier.

It’s the feeling
I have—
always a bit short
in the monetary
system of life,
and she’s there
to hand me
the exact change.