As It Should Be

She is but a passing acquaintance
that is true, but even so such as
she have meaning in our lives.
Her greeting smile just as recalled
as last we met. By nature a happy
soul, finding meaning and goodness
everywhere and in everyone who
touches her life with kindness. She
still appears young and fresh,
despite a lifetime of experience
she is prepared to share without
the asking. The difference a year
has wrought is beyond superficial
though it is facade. Her visage
reveals those concerns and fears
that have closed upon her, as deep
chasms have been mapped upon the
canvas of her face, belying her bright
ease of speech affectingly adopted
to convince herself and others that
all is as it should be, endurable.