Carefully looking
And searching His face
I Look to read what’s in his heart
The emotions bubbling up from within
And surfacing in subtle movements
Of wrinkles and creased skin
I keep looking and longing
To find my Father’s smile
More than anything else
I long for this
The deep smile
Of appreciation
Affirmation
Affection
Acceptance
And unconditional love
A smile that says
I will always be in his heart
The eternal face of loving perfection
Lit up from ear to ear
For me
I bask in this
It fills me up
And heals all shame
That would haunt me in shadow
My Father’s smile
Has found me here
And so I look to live
Made whole
I keep on looking
Because this is where I belong
Eternally in his love
And his face shows it
With a smile
Forever
© 2026 Richard HH Johnston
