To Buy a Smile

To The Smile Store:

I purchased from you a while ago

A smile bright and fine.

With hope that sets a night to shine,

And a darkness to burst aglow.

*

I wore it one day and another,

Till my cheeks ached and stretched.

But somehow, I was happily wretched,

And angry as my red-faced brother.

*

And still I wore that damn smile,

For I knew I should spread joy.

I tried my best to laugh but boy,

That grin held darkened style.

*

And so, the tears went flowing wild,

Still, I showed my teeth in grins.

And my face felt like poking pins,

And I was the saddest, smiling child.

*

So here you go, take this back,

This malicious, evil thing.

How a smile turns to a sting

Takes talent and careful tact.

*

Keep my cash, we both win,

My lesson is enough.

That although it may be tough,

A smile must come from deep within.