The Smile
The soles of his feet were gnarled, cracked, calloused shreds of flesh
But tough in their stance as he sauntered and shuffled
On two broken knees that never mended, clicking but muffled
Walking like a misplaced puppet on the master's string
While begging for his next meal, he would stand up and sing
Barely able to hold his 'cup of good fortune' for passersby to fill and refresh
His nerve damaged hands scarred, dirt ridden and unkempt
Like a pair of lovesome cudgels reaching to battle the stars
Barely able to grasp his "cup of fortune" or tote his life-in-a-bag
His crooked shoulders and elbows bowed and bent
Had lost their motility and strength years ago, his pain prolonging
He was pieced together like his spent double breasted coat of midnight blue
His body, his being was held together like a hand sewn quilt on worn shoes
Like an old dog that had been lost for so long that he had forgotten
His way home, he strayed wandering and wondering where and why
So his journey languished to simply eat or sleep and sing or get high
His most striking quality, his tenderness of heart,emanated from his smile
Manifesting his love brilliantly placed in the eyes of others who would ask why?
He imbued this purity of sweet sadness and gratitude, with humility
This child of a lesser God possessed the greatest gift of all - tranquility
He had found his peace
April 15, 2020
Copyright © Lonna Blodgett | Year Posted 2020
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