Smile

I am Rip Van Winkle

Past the edge of waking

After nearly drowning

In a dope deep sleep

No hope

No love

No dreams

To keep

I weep

Then

Dust myself off

And stand to my feet

Think it was my Granny said,

"Boy, a closed mouth

Don't get fed."

So I face the future

Without dread-

Hungry.

Biting through adversity.

...Sharpening my teeth

All the while.

So,

If you stand

Against me,

Best respect

My smile.