ManicWorld Magazine

I felt bad yesterday
as I ascended the station steps
I registered a friendly face –
Young woman, spirally hair,
offering a smile
I realised too late
My face remained flat
The cut-off face I wear in town
to keep myself safe
As I passed her, I saw the smile drop
She took it away, to my shame
I hope she found a worthy recipient
Someone quicker off the mark

Maybe to make up for it,
when getting dressed after my swim,
I offered a smile to the cleaner,
who was huffing and puffing
Something wasn’t working
I’d heard her telling other “ladies”
Apologising for the noise
So I put on a smile,
as I stood there in my underwear,
Coral pink pants, too big
She regarded me blankly
No, with hostility
Her cheer reserved for other people

What goes around comes around