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                      Smiles

                      Published by Rita Mock-Pike at January 21, 2023
                      Categories
                      • Poetry
                      Tags
                      • against sexism
                      • poetry
                      • protest poetry
                      • smiles
                      • women
                      Woman smiles for camera - protest poetry

                      Image created onCanva

                      You know, it’s funny –
                      We’re told to smile when we show up
                      but told to smolder in photos.
                      That’s how we “capture”
                      the audience
                      and save ourselves from anger and slime.
                      Yeah. Real funny.
                      We laugh on the outside,
                      no smiles inside.


                      On the lookout for more poetry? Check these offerings from the MockingOwl Roost contributors and staff.

                      • Mother’s Cry
                      • Be Still
                      • At Daybreak – A Poetry Reading
                      Rita Mock-Pike
                      Website |  + postsBio

                      Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.

                      • Rita Mock-Pike
                        https://www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/author/ritamockpike/
                        When You Need a Wakeup: Taylors of Harrogate Scottish Breakfast Tea Review
                      • Rita Mock-Pike
                        https://www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/author/ritamockpike/
                        Great Value Peach Rooibos Tea: A Sweet & Simple Sip
                      • Rita Mock-Pike
                        https://www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/author/ritamockpike/
                        The Whisking Hour — An Advanced Review of Murder, Baked Goods, and Theatre
                      • Rita Mock-Pike
                        https://www.mockingowlroost.com/blog/author/ritamockpike/
                        Quick Take: The Wrecking Crew (2026)

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                      7 Comments

                      1. When You Come to the Edge of the World: Casu Marzu, Poetry says:
                        June 28, 2023 at 5:07 pm

                        […] Smiles […]

                        Reply
                      2. Stop Please! - Anti-War Poetry in Sunflowers says:
                        October 13, 2023 at 1:46 pm

                        […] Smiles […]

                        Reply
                      3. Home - Where the Heart Is, a Poem says:
                        February 29, 2024 at 10:33 am

                        […] Smiles […]

                        Reply
                      4. She Stole My Stars… - The MockingOwl Roost says:
                        March 12, 2024 at 2:06 am

                        […] Smiles […]

                        Reply
                      5. What Is a Woman? – A Poem for International Women’s Day says:
                        March 8, 2025 at 1:57 am

                        […] Smiles – Protest Poetry […]

                        Reply
                      6. Toppled Tea at Griffin's Wharf - A Tea Poem of Dissent says:
                        August 19, 2025 at 6:12 pm

                        […] Smiles – Protest Poetry […]

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                        January 15, 2026 at 3:44 pm

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