Naked Face

by Michael Thomas Smith 

Copyright ©2026 

Should the sky unfold, and reveal your

Face,

Which holds all the shyness of something more erotic --

The smoke from your cigarette a teasing chiffon --

Oh, then might the heavens themselves hide;

Your nude eyes

Have the nerve to foreshadow a torrent of tears

while huddling with each other.

Meanwhile, your lashes indecently flutter,

with a movement more lustful

than a bachata

To keep court with some roue or another --

Whoever espies you across the way,

Even if that be miles,

To see that face,

To be in likeness with the world itself --

Unclothed brows might be said to be erect,

and in that thought you can read in my mind --

not to say you’re a coquette,

but just that it’s on danger I’d bet.

About the author:

Michael T. Smith is an Associate Professor of English who teaches both writing and film courses. He has published roughly 300 pieces (poetry and prose) in over 100 different journals.