POETRY | By Frederick Rocque

That smile
Flashes warmth, a gleaming welcome
Reaches out, shakes hands with your heart
Eyes touch your soul
Gentle comfort from just a glance!

That smile
Melts cold, bruised hearts, instantly
Soothes minds heavy with envy and scorn
Twinkling eyes, brush aside invisible shackles
Of bitterness and regret

That smile
Is hope, inspiration and confidence,
Shatters stony walls of isolation, rejection
Eyes light up, open wonderful windows
To life, a celebration!

That smile
Braves biting cold on the campaign trail
Turns foes to friends, champions for change
Eyes clear, beacons to a radiant path
To a historic present, a welcoming future

That smile
Is charm etched in character
Bridging time, shrinking distance
Eyes commit, an unspoken oath
Wedding race, faiths, creed and culture as one holy union
A legacy for change, a promise for humanity!

Written as a tribute to US President Barack Obama, the images are
those the world witnessed on his campaign trail and during his
first 100 days in office. This poem was published in October 2009
in celebration of Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
after less than a year in office as the 44th president of the United
States. Obama's inspiring role and leadership mark a glorious era
in American history - indeed world history!