he always had a smile for me
whenever I asked him
how he was—
he’d say, i’m alright, it’s the world
that’s all wrong
with that teasing glint in his eye
you’re right, john, sure—
but it was a little right, too—
knowing you
© 2026 jennifer wagner
dVerse q44: smile
In memory of my neighbor John (January 29, 1942 - September 2, 2024).