We smile when the food comes to the table.
Polite smiles until the waiter walks away.
We needed this food
To swallow
A long day
With mixed emotions.
There is quiet at the dinner table.
Rhythmic chewing and swallowing takes everyone
Into their own thoughts.
Knife into fork.
I'm finished.
Baby girl began speaking.
Proud parents are smiling.
An effervescent Joi,
Captures her audience then releases them to a moment of silence.
"What?"
A statement than a question
To her dreamy eyed mother,
Me.
"Just looking."
I smile
She smiles
We smile and she knows, but still asks
"Why?"
"Because you exist. Can't I admire you now and then?"
Admire her as one would a blue sky
Or misty mountains.
I see her.
She sees me.
She smiles.
I smile.
We smile.
