(This refers back to one of my earlier poems "Her Smile." Please make sure to have read that one first, as this is a continuation.)

She used to always smile

With her teeth straight and white.

Even before her braces,

Back when they weren't so perfect.

It was so loud and so pure

That it pulled people in

And made them want her.

And then her smile faded.

She pursed her lips closed

Her eyes were focused elsewhere.

Sobriety was merely a gamble.

I'll have you know

that she is opening her mouth again.

She is smiling

and yes, she does look happy

but I think that's just the alcohol.

The perfect girl fell into her cocoon

and when she emerged?

Why she was someone new.

That perfect girl exists no longer

and in her place stands

the person your parents feared you would become.

But I must say,

she is prettier happy,

and yes, she does look happy now.