There's Nothing Like the Smile of A Black Man

There’s Nothing Like the Smile of a Black Man

There is nothing like the smile of a Black Man

The Genuine Warmth that emanates from your brown eyes

The Love that sparkles from your eyes

I’m not talking about the perfunctory, obligatory smile that strangers sometimes exchange in passing

A Black Man’s smile has the power to transform him, thereby transforming all those around him!

Lips

Teeth

Nose

Forehead

Chin up

I smile at Black men

Not to flirt or tease, or as a come-on!

I smile at Black men

Because there’s nothing like the beauty of a Black man, especially the smile of a black man!

I smile at you, because I like your sense of style, your walk and your hair (or lack of)

I smile at you because I understand your swagger and your bravado and your audacity

I smile at you because I savor the surprised look on your face when I smile at you

And then you smile back at me: a Big smile, a Real smile

There’s nothing like the smile of a Black Man

I smile at you, Black man, because of the rarity of your smiles

I smile at you, Black man, because so many other people greet you with dread, fear, apprehension and suspicion

I smile at you, Black man

Because to me you are my husband, my father, my son, my grandsons, my uncles, my nephews, my cousins, the men of my church and community —my family: I Love You

I smile at you because I see in you the Image and Likeness of God who created you

I smile at you because you are all that’s Right and Good about Black men

I smile at you Black man because

You are my brother

When you smile back at me, my heart lifts and expands

I take delight in you

Because

You’re Real and your smile is Real!

There’s nothing like the smile of a Black Man