A Smile

She was then, a girl of ten, Who would remember often The inspiring words of her teacher On the greatness of a smile. "A smile around the corner Is enough to erase the winter From a weary forlorn face, said her teacher And bring a lilt to the heart". As years flew- her beauteous smiles grew In her life- colorful patterns it drew. She deciphered the magic, it could weave The happiness, that a smile could give. She heard lullabies, in a toddler's smile Felt the dreams ensconced, in a teen's smile She believed that - smile was a language Which could weather everyday wars Tackle the battles of life- alike And drown the very many fears Perhaps of a passer-by, or even a stranger She truly believed - in the magic of a smile. Now she has a daughter of ten. Her heart thumps with fear Her eyes often sense danger When her daughter smiles- at a stranger She wonders, if the smile would trigger Unwanted thoughts in them. Undesirable urges and instincts That would, kill the smile forever. She wonders if her girl's smile Would be snuffed out or be smothered By a heartless pedophile Or an over friendly neighbour. Fears, if someone would lead her astray, And tarnish her sunny days. The magic of the smile is lost, Now, the mother's heart beats faster When her daughter smiles at strangers. Her teachers words are long forgotten. And she no more finds beauty in a smile. It holds neither meaning nor glory, While she has herself - lost her smile.