That Smile

Innumerable are the times I’ve been caught
with quiet lowered eyes,
the blissful content expression,
and that particular smile on my lips.

I try to concentrate on the here and now –
closely following people’s words,
but that telltale smile always reoccurs.

Just a reference to you,
a casual mention of your name
makes that foolish smile appear
and try as I might to disengage it –
it’s of is no avail.

Most people are understanding and often
I overhear them excuse me
         “she must be in love”

I smile, more foolishly than ever.


-- at age 16

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Note: this poem is part of a collection, to read more please see: "poems from the past"  E: poems written as a child and teen .