The Smile (with apologies to E.A.P.)

Feel your smile-
Shining smile.
It’s my previous affliction that it’s merriment defiles.
How it gives me criticism
As it brings me back my youth.
In my long held cynicism
It constructs a cataclysm
And there becomes a chasm in the truth.
Though the moment’s much too fleeting
I have found my life was needing
Something learned but not from reading
But from feeling and from healing
All the boredom and frustrations
Of my mental masturbations
That have dulled all my sensations
And have lowered expectations
Of the passion, hope and style
And the beauty, love and wile
That too long was in exile
From your smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile.


Tim Hickey