What Would It Take Poem by cheryl davis miller

Tell me what would it take
to make a 'blackbird' smile?
I’ve pondered this question
off and on for a while.

I pass them on the road
while walking single file.
They wave at passers by
but they never do smile.

I respect their tradition
of such austerity.
But it seems a happy child
should smile to me.

I wonder if they ever
have a time to just play.
Out chasing butterflies
on a bright sun-lit day.

In the midst of their frolic
do they ever laugh with glee?
'Cause it seems a happy child
should smile to me.'

So tell me;
What does it take,
to make a 'black bird' smile?
You see I’ve pondered this question
for quite a while.

c.d.m. 12/31/09