My Smile

by Anne Peterson

I tasted happy this week

I let myself smile 

and didn’t wipe it off.

It was the real kind of smile,

not the kind you put on 

when someone is around.

I wanted to wear it longer

to actually keep it for myself.

But guilt convinced me

little grins and half-smiles,

were all I deserved.

I handed back

my little smile.

I miss it.

* * * * *

Anne Peterson is a poet, speaker, and published author of 14 books. She has written Broken: a story of Abuse and Survival, several children's books and some poetry books. You can see Anne's books here at her author page. To find out more about Anne, visit her website at www.annepeterson.com or you can visit her Facebook author page.