i used to think

we said, “Say cheese”

for pictures because

forming the word

tricks your mouth

into forming a smile

but, I think something different now

now I think

when you stand there

staring down the camera lens

remembering the dumpster fire

that is

the world

and maybe the dumpster fire

that is

your life

and then the voice rings out –

the voice from behind the lens –

the voice rings out,

“say cheese!”

and you remember.

cheese exists.

and sure, your mouth opens

to make the long “e”

and you can’t help but

to show teeth

but the real smile comes

because cheese exists

because you’re a grown up

who can have some

whenever you want