I wake up in the mornin’,
A heart filled with nightmares.
Rollin over with a sigh,
Wishin’ sleep was endless.
Though if I don’t get up,
I’ll never get up.

Looking out the window,
Sun’s shinny,
Blinding away all the clouds.
Kids are laughing, smiling,
Playing with their teasing shadows.

Pulling on some jeans,
Ripped and torn.
Slip a sweatshirt over my head,
Keeping me safe,
And feeling at home.

Smiles don’t drive by my house no more.
They swerve, taking detours,
In their fat ass limos,
Touching everyone else but me.
If only I could catch a smile in a jar,
Like a frantic lightning bug,
Blinking tiny lights into the darkened sky.

Grabbing the car keys,
Metal scowling in my hands.
Kicking the car in start,
I turn up the music.
To blast away unwanted thoughts,
To blow away unwanted nightmares.

I drive and drive and drive,
Until the icy river greets me,
Like an angry cobra.
Parking the car,
Giving it a last pat of thanks,
As I walk away.

The bridge is empty, still, and quiet.
The river gazed up at me.
Laughing, seeming to dare me,
Daring me to make the last leap.
I gazed back, thinking of the lost smiles.
I climbed aboard the bridge rail,
And gave the brutal cobra his morning wish.

jess schwarcz

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/abandoned-smiles/