22 May 2024

Smile

His face on the other side 
Of the foggy window,
Making faces, trying to make
You laugh.
You're not sure, whether
To laugh at him or this
Questionable reality.

But you know, people
Managed to have time for
Dinner in a war?
Some even managed to
Write songs about the snow
And how it covers the dead.

It's funny how a man laboring
In a wheat mill can take his
Happy siesta on sacs of grain
And go without any food 
On the plate by night.

People laugh clenching the weight 
Of hunger in their stomach.
Children build castles with
Empty bombshells and 
Thank God for the makeshift roof
He has provided.

Sometimes it's necessary to
Carve your lips wide with even a 
Blunt knife to force-feed smile 
To the gloom-ridden teeth.
The touch of all emotions is
A basic human need.

And especially when there's
Someone outside the window to
Witness your smile, bless 
The poor lad.