Inward Tears

   Every day he looked at that spot and every day, nothing, til the days passed by adding up as they went.  He never forgot.  He never wavered from that smile.  He never let go inside.  But still the days, weeks, months and years passed him by.  Still, he did not forget nor the pain of loss in the letting go.  Hope faded into a sore memory where even the thought of a faint smile caused a bitter sigh to arise of a joy he once had, once shared, ages ago.  But no one knew.  Sorrow deepened with his public smile.