Once I saw a lady laughing with friends and instinctively

whispered, “If I was like her, I would always be confident.”

Of this I was immediately certain

~~~~

With photos reviewed, I was, however, surprised. This

face would not launch a thousand ships, and her figure

was softer–like mine!

~~~~

And I pondered this awhile

~~~~

It was in the smile. For when eyes twinkled

and teeth said hello, a veil lifted and for that

moment you viewed the glorious garden inside,

full blossomed, fragrant, and free

~~~~

And this woman—she smiled

~~~~

She was a gardener who tended what mattered,

flowers blooming, vines encircling, accepting

both sunshine and rain, and then, bravely, often,

and when she chose, waiving the admission fee

~~~~

She was beautiful,

and I wonder still if she even knows?

~~~~

—–and these days I make sure I tell them, and remember that true beauty is born within

~~~~

©Heather Pound 2022