Crooked, discolored teeth told
a tale of childhood poverty
so she guarded her smile,
hid behind her hand when laughter took over.
Mother was lovely, gentle, kind –
most beautiful –
we loved when she let her guard down.
When she smiled, sunshine warmed your heart.
Mom and Dad, circa 2005 – Mom was about 70 years old, her guard down
Copyright ©2026 Lisa Paul. All rights reserved.
Written in response to dVerse’s Quadrille #239. De Jackson is the host. Her challenge:
New to the Q? Smile! It’s simple!
Just sling us a poem of precisely 44 words (not counting the title), including some form of the word smile. Post your poem on your own blog, and link up with us using the Mr. Linky below. Then spend awhile grinning your way through the interwebs, as you read and comment on the awesome work of your fellow poets. The Quadrille is here all week to make you smile, so be sure to come back and read (and write) some more!
A Little Bit of Everything, With Love 
Beautiful remembrance of your mother.
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Thank you, Frank. I miss her.
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So common with teeth showing how you grew up… not showing your teeth is still common in many countries I think
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I think so, too. Thank you, Bjorn.
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Awww. What a lovely tribute. They are both beautiful. ❤
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Thank you for your kind words!
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There is such warmth in this photo. I loved the poem as well, Lisa. 🫠
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Thank you so much.
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You’re welcome
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A lovely remembrance tinged with some sadness I feel.
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Thank you. Yes, I was always sad that Mom usually felt she was less than others when she wasn’t.
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My mom doesn’t smile for the same reasons. Great poem, Lisa!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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I’m sorry to hear this!
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But thank you for sharing ❤️
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