Definition of a Smile

by The1Essence

When you look at me
what do you see?
An ethnic woman
dark and angry?
A loving mother?
A desirable lover?
Or,
A human being,
whose pain
makes your heart bleed?

Well,
let me tell you
it’s definitely no secret.

I smile because
i understand the difference
between
where i’ve been
and where
i am.

I smile when I look
at my daughter
watching her
struggle to maintain
who she thinks she should be
a woman some say
is just like me.
And she is succeeding
in my eyesight.
Not succumbing
to strife
and all the while
enjoying life.

My smile grows wider
when I look at my son.
Who FINALLY
learned
how to work hard and
still have fun.
Whose eyes look like
mine
and won’t hesitate to say
“I may be growing up Mom,
but I’ll always be your baby”.

And the history behind
my smile
is
that it was made
by 7 strong women
who paved the way
for me to be
anything my heart desired.
Instilled in me
values,
knowledge,
and
Steppin out on faith
with
brimstone and fire.
Then not just told me
but molded me
to never, ever
let a dollar
or
my
Race
Define me.

I smile because I understand
that the sunset
is just as beautiful
and important
as the sunrise.

I smile simply because
I
KNOW
what a blessing it is
to be
alive.

Now, that you know
this
I have one
simple request,
and
that is
that you
SMILE!
Even if
it is only because
I asked you too!

©2008 The1Essence; All rights reserved exclusively by The1Essence

Visit the writer's website at www.the1essence.com