Just Smile Poem by Angela Bontle Ditumiso

We never afford our hearts
The chance to understand
Never borrow a stranger's
Worn out shoes
So we learn how they
Still run with callouses
On their feet
We're too busy with
Ourselves to listen
To our heads laying out
The possibilities

I listened as she called
Me stupid for the
Mistakes I'd made
In my short life
Gave her an ear as
She degraded me
For the decisions I've made
Claiming I'm a fool
Being used by those
I so trusted like a tool

She refused to borrow
Me a second to explain
Tell her of where I'm
Coming from and why
It seems like I'm sleeping
On this unkind life

It's funny how I smiled
How I looked within
And realized that
Through it all I was just
Calm and happy
I questioned my sanity
That day and when I
Got home I stared
At the sky shielded
By the corrugated iron

I wondered who I am
What kind of person
Flashes a smile when
Insulted
I'm was baffled yet so
Thankful
Grateful for this heart
I hope I grow old like this
That I never change
Or keep getting refined

Be a calm sea
That simulates peace
Slow to anger
And understanding
Even orange trees
Don't produce fruits
Of the same sweetness
Some are as sour as lemons
Some fruits look
Rather big but the
Moment we do the
Autopsy we discover
The brains were rather small

Just keep your composure
They probably won't
Understand your calmness
They'll probably take
You for a fool
But still give them your smile
And let your soul generate it too
Genuine and bedazzling