LW Poetry

Smiling Game

Howdy friend, I’m new in town.

I think I’ll jot a few things down, which, I hope, might take a frown and turn it upside down. OK, now let’s play a game to see how much we are the same.

These are things that make me smile: a new bride walks down the aisle the radio plays my favorite song a child has a place to belong fish in a clear mountain stream being part of a team I’m weird, I like insects and bugs but I also like kisses and hugs a funny, animated cartoon a cute face on a red balloon a caring nod, a holding hand the twanging of a rubber band a sunny day on the beach biting a juicy, dripping peach riding the crest of a wave climbing into a secret cave I like to scratch my dog’s fur and the voice of Karen Carpenter In the morning, it is fun to see a flower meet the sun a kid on a hot day with a hose a fly when it lands on his nose I like to watch a top when it spins and when the underdog wins the smell of fresh baked bread a good story to read in bed to see the shining happy glow of a child’s face in a talent show I like munching raisin scones and wild animals that no one owns please note, I am also smitten by a week-old big eared kitten.

—Dave Crandall, Mutual 10