Meaning of the Smiles

When I was betrayed for the first time,
I smiled because it was something new for me,
It brought a jerk along with the freshness .

The second time I was betrayed,
I smiled, because it failed to meet my expectations ;
With all its  sophistication , it never reached the
nastiness I yearned for.

On the third occasion too I smiled ,
with some effort indeed ;
because I could not remember any other reaction
that could be shown .

I was as predictable in nature as the betrayals were .
I was a perfect match, color by color.

Reviews

[Joyce S. Greene]

Smiling in the face of repeated betrayals is hard to do, Anand, and I admire your strength in doing so. On the other hand, as your final line seems to suggest, are you betraying yourself by expecting those betrayals as your due with a smile? Would it be better to not put yourself in a position of being betrayed? Hopefully, that is the solution to the puzzle you pose.. Your poetry is always food for much thought and I think it's marvelous.

[Anand Sehgal]

thanks a lot Joyce :) It is a joy to have you as a reader :)

[Mollie Fitzner]

It is as turning the other cheek. I like your style.

[Anand Sehgal]

thank you so much Mollie :)

[Uneek]

Amazing. Absolutely genius.

[Anand Sehgal]

I am honored :) thank you again :)

[Saddam]

truly defined smile and actually when we think there is nothing for me then we smile and usually no reaction we found. very beautiful poem is this.

[Anand Sehgal]

thanks a lot my dear friend :) glad to see you :)

[Saddam]

absolutely my pleasure dear. thanks.

[Aethereal]

This is an ancient strategy for revenge: An archaic smile tinged with forgiveness torments a betrayer. A betrayer never forgets such a haunting smile.

[Anand Sehgal]

thanks a lot my friend for the kind review :)

[Praveeta]

Smile acts as camouflage to hide feelings that may make one appear weak. Well penned.

[Anand Sehgal]

thanks so much Praveeta :)

[Praveeta]

You are welcome.

[Cryingkate]

It really is awesome.. born from the creative womb

[Anand Sehgal]

thanks a ton again :)

[Cryingkate]

ABSOLUTE ! Brilliant .... A+

[Anand Sehgal]

o Wow! thanks so much my friend :) I'm honored

[Cryingkate]

:-) I am led where I travel but i hope we get moving a bit faster so I can return to indulge more in your reflections

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

because I could not remember any other reaction
that could be shown .

I was as predictable in nature as the betrayals were .
I was a perfect match, color by color.


I find these lines very powerful, ringing with harsh truth.

[Anand Sehgal]

thank you so much blue :) yes truth is often pretty harsh !

[Michelle N. H.]

Really nice subject matter. A smile can suggest so much. It can speak of truth and dishonesty. It can function as a veil to cover our thoughts and feelings. Thank you for sharing this.

[Anand Sehgal]

thanks a lot. Keen observation from you too :)

[RuthCalderMurphy]

Oh I've been there. I smile because a smile is the most effective mask there is. Nicely done; thank you!

[Anand Sehgal]

Thanks a lot dear Ruth for your kind review ! :)