Life as a Box

Smile as if your life depends on it he said
Does it? I say suddenly alarmed
A smile of sorts attaches to my face
You don’t look after your teeth do you
He said
Are you a dentist I say not moving my lips
The question is lost on him
Say cheese
I comply (again not moving my lips)
If you can’t please, at least placate is my motto
He took his photo and moved on
I finally relaxed (but not for too long)
There’ll be another along soon I’m sure