Chasing Smiles—February, 2008
Never have I worn
A smile I deemed too costly.
And I've worn many.
Some smiles have bled me.
Yet smiles they were all the same—
Held close and cherished.
I welcome your doubt:
My smiles with empty pockets,
Broken bones and hearts.
But when I stare back,
Smiles over empty pockets
Have been favorites.
I do not lament
What I traded to wear them.
I will not regret.
You may shake your head.
But these smiles are mine, hard won.
Caution wastes spirit.
Never have I smiled
And felt I'd given too much
For the smile I wore.
~ topher