Sarah Smiles

Sarah’s smile was uncommon,

She wore it like a shield.

Her mother said she was born like that,

Always smiling through the tears.

She worked at the local diner, Her smile enchanted many.

It was a bright spot in their day.

One man silently despised it, though,

Because it fuelled his nagging fears.

Ted had everything he wanted,

All he could ask for and more.

Sarah had almost nothing,

Yet she was full of joy!

Ted returned from college where he got his law degree.

He dropped into the diner, to check if she was there.

He still obsessed over Sarah’s smile,

He vowed to own it or destroy.

So Ted turned on his boyish charm,

Like only a demon can do.

Sarah fell for the mystery in his eyes

And they soon became husband and wife.

The honeymoon was very brief,

Ted had important things to do.

He ignored his wife, was terse and cruel,

But Sarah smiled through the strife.

When Sarah learned she was with child,

Her smile grew even brighter.

Ted grew even more depressed,

His anger bubbling higher.

How could he raise a child?

He had no love to give.

Ted resented Sarah’s happiness,

And his angry spark became a fire.

Sara hummed a little tune as she gathered up the wash.

She paused briefly at the basement stairs, laundry in her arms.

The cheery song was too much for Ted, he couldn’t stand the noise.

He quickly crossed the kitchen floor and pushed her down the stairs.

Ted checked and no pulse was found.

Yet she was still smiling on the floor.

Ted told the cops she’d tripped, of course,

Blaming himself for the ill repairs.

His remorse was accepted by all but one,

Sarah’s mother knew his dark soul.

She didn’t reveal or show her hand,

She offered help and condolences, planning all the while.

Arrangements were made with the undertaker,

He dressed her in cheery yellow.

In Sarah’s arms was a baby doll,

On her face a brilliant smile.

Ted broke down and ranted and raged.

He babbled out a confession.

He couldn’t break her permanent smile,

Said it had driven him mad.

The police were called and put him in cuffs,

His parents shook their heads.

They gave him everything he wanted,

Yet somehow he turned out bad.