One Smile

(I recently read a novel “The Book of Negros” and a picture of an elderly black woman dressed for church, complete with hat, reminded me of the heroin. She was just entering puberty when she was stolen from her village and brought to America as a slave. From her story I got this poem).

One Smile

Yes, she’s a lady, a visible queen
Living in poverty
Giving her life to those around her
Praying one day they’ll be free

Free of the hunger, free to be children
Free to be fathers too;
Fathers who can provide for the families
As fathers are meant to do.

She prays for the mothers along the road
Who carry the sick and poor
Out to the missions hoping for mercy
Knocking on door after door.

She dreams of the people so far away
Who call to people well fed.
Down in the town square she speaks to us all
Stating we could be there instead.

Please open your eyes to a world that is hurting
And children alone in the dark.
One simple thought builds a bridge with all others;
One smile could be the spark,.

© 2012 Pam H. Murray