Can I whisper 
                               or wonder 
what I do not know? 
                     Afraid, of course, 
of where it can go. To realize 
what is not there 
on all, or most, or many days 
is still so real. 
                   Lines on your face.
 Memories disappear.  Erased.
Others fall out of favor 
                       or onto the page. 
   Words unspoken still leave 
a mark on your past, 
                          your lips 
                                   and lifeline. 
Will you ever tell? 
                        Release the smile 
holding back thoughts 
             meant only for yourself.

© 2016 j.g. lewis