when she smiled

places she’s been to
walking over
plastic furniture
walking into blank walls
personal voices ringing
impersonally in her ears
speaking words
the meaning
lost in inanities
what insanity! --
with bold step, confident smile
strong of voice
she steps forth
though secretly her heart
sinks at the sound
of each foolish
blow that bruised
nevertheless
for she knew
in the secret
place in her heart
the falter she smothered
in her feet
the tremor
she concealed in her voice
the tremble she hid
in her hand - half outstretched
the fear she did not show
in the salt that stung her eyes
were hidden
in that secret
place in her heart
when she smiled…