john

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).