After a While

After a while
you will believe
in the boss's narrow tie,
the tree-lined avenue,
a priest's reassuring smile.

Each is true
though not quite as true
as a bully's tattered shoes,
empty lots and alleys,
your father's ineffectual smile.

What difference there is 
between that and this
after so long a while 
seems so small
that even the mirror
is convinced
this thing on your face
is a smile.



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