The Last Thing to Go

BY CAROLE NICHOLS

It's the first thing I see in the morning,
When I awaken from my slumber;
A mouth that forms a happy smile,
How long will I see it, I wonder.

For the image is here in my mind alone,
A part of all of you that I see;
The most precious part of the whole,
When those lips smiled so at me.

They formed such private words,
Which I hope were mine alone:
A special name, a unique line,
Echos now, since you've gone.

I know in time your memory will fade,
No matter how I'd like it to stay;
But like the Cheshire cat in the tale,
You smile will be the last to go away.

That smile offered such a friendship,
It said you thought I was worthwhile;
When slumber takes me again, tonight,
I know, once more, I'll see that smile.