Smiles

What does a smile mean to you?

To me they’re like the eyes,

a gateway to the truth.

☺

Beautiful laugher chiming from

lips blown back, teeth showing,

eyes crinkling… the embodiment

of adoration and joy.

☺

At times it’s subconscious.

Lost in distant memories,

grasping at ideas,

traveling in fantasies maybe.

Ethereal and starry-eyed.

☺

The soft tug of your lips that sit

so naturally as your eyes fixate

onto those you care about,

your being… practically oozing

love and admiration.

☺

Rare is a smile paired with tears

yet you made it happen.

Rather than salty, yours were sweet.

A response to efforts finally being rewarded.

Proof of dedication and perseverance.

☺

Ones hidden behind hands,

embarrassed energy spilling

as eyes peeking through

the space between your fingers

and unsure giggles escape

before gracing me with a smile

bashful and meek.

☺

Teary eyes matched with

a feeble shaky smile

needing to be a pillar

of strength when your heart

is just as broken, always

having to be the one

who comforts and protects.

☺

Experiencing all these aren’t enough .

Is it because I want to know you

like the back of my hand?

Or is it that I hope in turn

you would wish the same

of me?