Written 18 August 2022

Sometimes this world

Absolutely petrifies me

When I’m struggling

Feeling down

It’s only bitterness I see

Empty blank faces

So many people look the same

Veiled

Masked

Concealed frustration and pain

Dull

Lifeless

Staring at their phones

Ignoring their children

Making their way home

And my head understands it

My heart truly knows

All I’m witnessing is a million

Silent overloads

I get it!

I get it!

But why does it still hurt?

How do I turn it off?

How do I avert

From these overwhelming feelings

Feeling so completely alone?

Perhaps I’ll never find it

A place my heart feels home

And then a stranger walks past me

She catches my eye

She holds it for a moment

She almost seems shy

But she smiles gently

The kindest of smiles

Nothing about her is callous

Or remotely hostile

And in that split second

 I don’t feel so very lost

I’m not flailing in this world

Carrying my own cross

I take a slow breath

 I breathe in deep

Grateful for this small gift

Just given to me

In that briefest of moments

Her smile gave me hope

She reminded me to have courage

That yes

I can cope

That fleeting connection

That is so free to give

Acknowledging other humans

Is how we should live

So if this poem has one purpose

Please never underestimate or downplay

The power your smile has

 To brighten someone’s day