smile

smile

it’s a smile

i’m giving you.

not a knife,

not a secluded woodland rape,

not an attempt to steal from you,

or cheat,

or deceive.

just a smile.

sometimes sheepish,

sometimes bold.

sometimes,

newness

keen to unfold.

when did everyone get so scared?

turning away

in disgust,

and frowning;

fright.

hurrying,

to the other pavement

where no smiles alight.

just a smile.