A Curious Smile

You see me and smile,
For a moment I'm home.
Our embrace brings me back,
To my childhood years.

Then you look away
You look down.
Still pretending
Everything's ok.

I know what's going on.
It's your curious smile.
The smile upside down.
That you try to turn.

Turn right-side up.
Make me think ,
Things are fine.
"Where is dad?"

I query as I watch
The deep line.
It creeps over ,
Your forehead.

I watch your eyes cloud.
You cover your ears.
As if things were loud,
The silence it kills you.

You miss the sound.
You miss his touch.
"Why didn't you tell me"
I demand.

"Darling, it's simple,
Your first visit home
You deserved so much more
Than a curious smile."