Conversation at Peggy’s Cove, by the Beautiful Sea

“Can’t you smile?”

“Why should I smile?”

“People like smiles.”

“There’s plenty of smiles. There’s a million pictures every day with people smiling. There’s plenty to like. They don’t need me.”

“Oh Lord, how did I ever get stuck with you?”

“How did you ever get blessed with me, you mean.”

“I wonder.”

“You should. Wondering is good.”

“I know. I married you. I had a chance to say no. If only he had said whether smiling or not smiling.”

“There’s only one reason for marriage. And that’s to learn to love. To learn to really love another. As a prelude to learning to love others altogether. If you’re not doing that, then you’re wasting your time.”

“Okay. I think I’m learning. I still wish you would smile.”

“Well, you know what they say. If wishes were eagles, even cowards would fly.”

4 May 2025
Jim Lindsey
Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia