Each week we’re highlighting a poem created in our Creative Writing Class with Brian Daldorph, held Wednesdays at 5pm at HRC. Writing creates space for expression, healing, storytelling, and community. We are grateful for the voices, experiences, and creativity shared each week.
“Dumbass Smile”
By Kelli Tigerstrom
My face tells the truth
even if I’m politely lying to you,
if only my dumbass knew how to smile—
I can’t be disingenuous
even if I wanted to—
my lop-sided, stroke-face smile,
the muscles won’t cooperate
and refuses to engage
the dumbass mechanical smiling mask.
I cannot get it to load—
it’s dead on the tracks.
It’s not that I’m a terrible liar
but there are things that just don’t need to be said.
Those incendiary words get louder
and scream inside my head.
Acquiescing is a concession
and though my face feels like it’s going to catch fire:
“Yes, sir, I agree with your stupid words,”
although your constant need to be right is a liability,
but no one cares and I am so outta there
laughing at you and running down the road
with a full dumbass smile!
Interested in writing, sharing stories, or simply listening? Join us Wednesdays at 5pm. Rest. Resources. Community.