THAT SMILE
By John Herlihy

I
That smile:
It never goes away,
Simple, innocent,
Like a child at play.

II
That smile:
It has something to say,
Meaningful, wise,
No pretence, no guise.

III
That smile:
No doubting the world,
Honest, trusting,
No lies, no rusting.

IV
That smile:
Full of intrigue and guile,
Dishonest, political,
Vaguely deceitful in style.

V
That smile:
Saved me one day,
Loving, hopeful,
A mere thread concave and soulful.

VI
That smile:
Do not take your leave,
Hovering there in the distance,
With patience and persistence.