Just a Simple Smile

This city with streets
Paved with broken wishes
And broken promises

This wind
Singing lost hopes
And lost dreams

This billboard with pictures
Of weary,
Hungry
People

This water
That does not jump and dance
Across the sand,
But simply slides
Lethargically

These minds
Filled with memories
Of past friends and
Family
Who have died defending their country

This sky
That no longer turns blue
But gray with overlapping clouds

This nation
With a past and present
That is kaput

Will it end?

Will it pick up its damage, repave its streets, open the sky, and open the people’s hearts and souls??

Will you give me a smile? Just a simple smile- to brighten up my day- can’t you spare a glance? I know you have lost- but can't you love, too?

Are we a nation? Or are we cold, cold people?

Can’t you give me a smile?