Craig Cornish Poet Quatorzain

Lost Smiles

What price a smile;
its value immeasurable?
First learned when a cheek was tickled,
long before an uttered jest,
a nonsensical gurgling grin
learned how to own a room.
Before "trying harder" failed,
sophistication and foolishness 
vied for our personal attention;
painted smiles begging to be laughed at,
lonely hearts begging to be loved -
a quest never truly sated,
while we struggle to find
what we've always owned.


(Inspired by Henry Miller's "The Smile at the Foot of a Ladder")

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Caren Krutsinger May 15, 2019 at 11:41 PM I want to write a poem about a smile who was a failure until she "learned how to own a room" but I would have to ask permission now, Craig. Since these are your own words. What say you? Craig Cornish May 16, 2019 at 11:00 AM You're welcome to it Caren and "own a room" is an idiom I didn't invent anyway but you are a Lady to ask.

Andrea Dietrich April 28, 2019 at 4:41 PM you were very inspired by Henry Miller's story, Craig. The ending on this poem is superb.