Smile

I smile

Though

Stretching

Is more of what I do.

The manipulation of upturned lips

In every sinew.

I smile

Though

The feeling

Is not of joy or bliss

Merely a placeholder

For my emptiness.

I smile

Though

its hollow

this waking dream I walk

where right side up is upside down

and passion’s what I stalk.

I smile

When

They smile back

Hoping they don’t see

Only realizing later

Their smile’s not towards me.

They smile for a job well done

My frown now upside down.

Happy that a numbered case

Can now be seen as sound.

I smile

Though

Theres nothing there

Lurking underneath,

Nothing but the absence of

Feelings of relief.

Feelings like the raging twists

And languid saddenings

With a dash of passion

In a burst that stings.

I smile

Though

Here with me not

These old friends

Real and true.

I smile

As

I stare down

This bluish pill

From you.