The Returning Smiles

The Retuning Smiles i see beneath pairs of almond-shaped, green leavess On white fabric, flowers set with four heart-shaped petals, The color of sun-kissed blueberries, Decorating the smocked sundress of the pig-tailed toddler .Hanging over the crook of her mother’s arm, and With her dazzling, black eyes looking all around For some reason to be let down Just as I was passing by, Happy to see a pretty little child. and say, “Hi!” The way any older woman might, Wishing to receive a second’s gift From the beauteous youth of the child’s smile. But, she leaned into her mom’s chest, shy, seeing me Stand there, one hand eagerly waving along with My saying, “What nice flowers all over your dress,” Diverting her attention from me down to what she wore — The bright hearts scattered over her knees, Causing a slight smile as her head lifted, Which I shared, showing her my own happy, big, slightly giggling smile, To which her mom leamed in to kiss Her darling girl nose to nose, thus blessing Away the shyness…so the little girl Shifted to sitting tall on her mom’s elbow To seriously size me up for herself, eye to eye — For some moments — While I almost lost hope. Until at last her creased lips started to part. The corners of her mouth rose, showing Her several front, white baby teeth, Set to share her smile, Elating me, so I announced loudly, “How pretty you are smiling!” But when i lifted my eyes to see Her reaction to my gleeful words, There was no child, nor mother there. Even Gone was the street I assumed I’d been walking along… And neither had I been dreaming, but Speaking as I had into the air beyond my bed. I’d been hallucinating. Another instance lately That comes out of the blue, while wide awake, Likely caused by the prefacing of exhaustion and horrid pain I sometimes feel Crossing my sight and mind with a Boosting interplay with people who’re likely to smile ~ Who come, then go. ———————————————————————————————————————————————— (c) sally young eslinger 2/25/23 Thanks be to God…