Distant, Guarded Man

Tonight, I was waiting in

the check-out line of a store,

trying my best to not just look

at the products or the floor.

Two women joined the line

and behind me, took their places.

A daughter and a mother, I thought,

with happiness on their faces.

I am often much too reserved,

so I wanted to give them a smile.

I managed only half of one, unseen,

but it still felt good, all the while.

Next time, I'll step it up a notch

and give a warmer one, if I can,

for it's quite unseemly of me

to be such a distant, guarded man.