Empty Smile

Searching eyes stare into mine

Shaking with uneasy wonderment 

Worrisome yet supported by a smile

 

You asked me a question

I don’t recall the words now

But I remember that smile

You wanted, you hoped for something

 

Perhaps a smile of my own

Supplied to set you at ease

 

I remember at the time

I’d have liked nothing more to reassure you

To see that faltering smile

Become strong

 

But I didn’t do that

I saw in your eyes

Doubt and hope intertwined

With some sort of fear

They gave away your faux smile

 

So I smiled back

A devilish grin

Quick and flashing

 

And your smile faded

For my eyes did not falter

 

They bored into your mind

And you quailed beneath my gaze

I watched as your smile died

 

And sure as rivers flow

I watched you turn and run

 

While I stood my ground

Attempting to find a pulse

For my heart had turned to ice

With my feet frozen to the ground

 

I listened and pressed fingers to my breast

But not a beat could I feel or hear

Resounding within my chest