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).
Sorry to hear you lost your good neighbor, Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteLovely quadrille.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done!
ReplyDeleteAwww. What a cool guy. I'm sorry for your loss. I LOVE those last lines, so much.
ReplyDeleteDe
I love the tender feelings in your poem - Jae
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem, I'm sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done ❤️(Ange)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for the loss of a good neighbor
ReplyDeleteWe're afraid to ask some people how they are but others are like your John.
ReplyDeleteYour poem resonated with me, Jennifer. I miss the smile of my old neighbour, and her giggle, which always cheered me up.
ReplyDeleteEric here. Love the glint in the eye. The smallness of the rightness is intriguing. Not sure what you mean by it. I guess we all want to be right, in some way
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to remember your neighbor! Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteGreat poem, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteYvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
"a little right" 👏
ReplyDelete