The Smile That Casts Shadows

 

Every now and then, 

a customer tells me I have a great smile. 

That I’m always smiling.

 

And they’re right. 

I do smile. 

Big, bright, and practiced.

 

Because to cast the shadows away, 

you need a smile strong enough to blind the truth. 

Otherwise, they’ll see what lies beneath.

 

But those who live in the shadows— they know.

There are two kinds of pain: 

the kind that makes you cry, 

and the kind that makes you quiet.

The quiet ones are residents here. 

They don’t speak much. 

They don’t flinch. 

They just exist— 

like furniture in a dim room.

 

Then there are the others. 

The ones still holding the pen.

Lost, 

Broken,

wondering whether to sign the lease 

and stay in the shadows next to me.

They still go out in public. 

And they smile the biggest. 

They laugh the loudest. 

Because they’re still trying to cast the shadows away.

 

If you see one of them

The ones with the brightest smile

maybe check in. 

Ask if they’re okay.

You might be the one who helps them stay on the side with the light.