Poem June 26, 2000 Issue

just today

whitney woodruff moody

just today, I saw a smile,
a smile that melted mountains
and lifted ancient hands
to clap in breathless chorus,
a smile that bore the ages power
to strip the guilty shadows
and wash the earth in light.

just today, I heard a smile
garnered from seven years of living,
a smile that broke the earth's stillness
and raised communion from darkened circles,
a smile that rang through alleys narrow,
that sang to every hidden corner
of this waiting, wanting globe.

just today, I felt a smile
that softened the silent heart,
that raised the bowing head
and brought me to my knees,
a smile that cradled the bending back
and wiped the shedding tear
from off a mother's face.

just today, I met a child
who held a gift so rare,
to heal the nations hardened long—
a smile, God's gift, he shared.

whitney woodruff moody

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