HER SMILE

FROM NEW COLLECTION - "THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW’’

Her Smile

Notice the shine of her eyes,
venture behind lids that open for you,
travel along branches to the depths her mind
and see your grandma, at your age,
her grandma half the age she is now;
for old people knew old people 
when they were themselves were young.

The cine camera in her head
plays moments as a baby 
In an iron pram
can you see her? 

She’s with her young mother 
whose adjusting her blanket
outside the fishmongers
looking like a movie star.

Yes, that was your great grandma
a feisty young woman 
defiant and proud
with the best kept doorstep on the street.

Bask in the crinkle of her smile
and unite in the joy of simple childhood
when at last, her sisters’ shoes 
became too small for her feet.

Despite the passing of time 
remember you’re on the same journey
your flesh will also weaken, 
your bones may also ache;
so, touch the sincerity of her smile
embrace, and return it, 
it belongs to you both.