THE SMILE

Every day among the unkempt humanity
On foot, in cars, on bicycles,
Sidewalks, escalators, the register line,
A path in the wooded alleys of the park-
Total strangers make a momentary connection
With no regard of what or who they are-
A form of electricity between the eyes
Evokes an involuntary sudden smile.

Sometimes half a smirk, lips closed,
Acknowledging the weary voyage of living,
Sometimes the small act of simple hello,
A recognition of the present-
“Nice to meet you on this earth.
Peace to follow your days.”

But smile at a child
You’ll get a mouth to open wide
With baby teeth half in or out,
And occasionally, and wonderfully,
They stick out their tongue.