Smiling Behind My Mask

I went to a store today,
gloved and masked,
as is the current custom.

Approaching another customer
I smiled. Behind my mask
A habitual friendly gesture.

Who could see that smile?
And who cares?
And how do I know
if that smile was returned?

So, what is going to happen now?
Are we all going to stop smiling
to each other?
Because of the masks.

Is this wonderful American trait,
a friendly smile, going to be eaten
by the accursed virus?

Please-please, keep smiling
behind your masks.
Please-please, don’t lose this habit…

Print This