Your Smile Was My Favorite Riff

A cycle of poems «Your Kiss Tasted Like a Late-Night Regret»

Guitar case open, dust on strings,
I still hear the tune your laughter brings.
But silence hums where you once stood -
Your smile was my favorite riff… and now it’s gone for good.

I’d strum my doubts, you’d sing them clear,
Turn every shadow into cheer.
One glance from you, and chaos ceased -
My broken chords found sweet release.

Your smile was my favorite riff,
The melody that made me lift
My head when all the world went dim -
A perfect note, a saving hymn.
You’d flash it soft, and time would bend,
Like every wound could start to mend.
Now every song I try to write
Just echoes you in black and white.

We drove with windows down at night,
Radio off, just your laugh - so bright.
You’d lean your head against my shoulder,
While I played our dreams a little bolder.
You said, “Keep going, don’t you quit -
Your music’s where your soul lives in it.”
I thought we’d write a thousand more…
But you walked out that back door.

I’d strum my fears, you’d calm the storm,
Wrap your warmth around my form.
One look, and I believed I’d win -
Now silence drowns what might have been.

Your smile was my favorite riff,
The melody that made me lift
My head when all the world went dim -
A perfect note, a saving hymn.
You’d flash it soft, and time would bend,
Like every wound could start to mend.
Now every song I try to write
Just echoes you in black and white.

I play the bars we used to haunt,
Same stool, same stage, same worn guitar haunt.
It almost sounded like your ease.
But no one grins quite like you did,
With sunlight caught between your lids.
You turned my noise to something true…
Now every chord just misses you.

I tried to write a song for me,
A solo clean, no memory.
But halfway through, I broke in two -
‘Cause every bridge still leads to you.
Your joy was rhythm, pulse, and grace,
The steady beat I couldn’t replace.
And though you’re gone, you’re in my sound -
The sweetest riff I ever found.

Your smile was my favorite riff,
The only cure for every drift.
When life turned flat and cold and grim,
You played the light back into hymn.
You’d flash it once, and I’d believe -
That love could make the broken breathe.
Now every stage feels half-undone…
‘Cause you were always my favorite song.

So I’ll keep playing, night and day,
Hoping somehow you’ll hear and stay.
But if you don’t, I’ll play it true -
This riff was always meant for you.
Your smile… my favorite riff…
Still plays… in every tear I lift.