-- Signature Smile --

by John Herlihy

His signature smile was not really his,

Its signature a formality, as frothy fizz.

For strangers, for babies, for departure,

‘So long’, I am going of a new adventure.

It takes little effort to leave a smile behind,

Even kindness bears signature in being kind.

Mother said take care how to use your face,

Evil glances are carved into lines of disgrace.

As for the intended value of a signature smile,

It takes a few steps forward, but hardly a mile.

Similarly, a person can be on the receiving end,

Another’s signature smile only feels as pretend.

I grin at a passing stranger, get a smile in return,

The feeling has its moment, but little after-burn.

If I say bye, the other’s smile glad I will be gone,

Like pulling the shades down, the curtain drawn.

Then a random hello smile like a nod and a wink,

To disappear back into a moody frown in a blink.

Even on the phone the smile that you never see,

You hear it in the voice, pro-forma, but little glee.

Oh, where then, is the real signature smile found,

With all those fake signature smiles floating around.

Where the true mirth, not just a product of whim,

Where the fullness of our joy, and not a fake grin.

From our inner depths emerges a smile on our face,

An inner feeling of bliss projecting a higher grace.

Summer found in a smile, winter found in a sneer,

Happiness found in a smile, sorrow found in a tear.

A language of the inner self no translation can devise,

The true st smile formed on the lips, seen in the eyes.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Friday 22 March 2024