The False Smiles

• Belinda Tang, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2011

What hides behind their falsely grins,
Those smiles that never reach their eyes.
It pretends to crinkle,
But a glint is what appears,
Rather than a twinkle.

You nod along,
Flashing one of your own.
It’s all part of the game,
You all know the rules,
It’s all just part of procedures.
Then why does it ache?
You can feel a hollow thrum.
Something’s missing, it’s left a hole.

That’s right,
All you need is a little truth.