I am a thief

A triumphant thief

I take as much as I give back

Those who encountered me

Never remained the same

You can try to catch me

Just like the people before you

But to ashes, you will burn

Beautifully fitted into an urn

With no hope to return

I do not steal your money

Nor do I steal food

I have no desire for such things

For I am already wealthy

And nourished

What I do take is valuable

It is in the faces of the happy ones

The ones so bright they blind me

Catching a glimpse

Is all I want

I wish to feel that happiness

And so I steal them for myself

Seeing those smiles

The genuine ones

Remind me that

A smile in the darkness can light

A pathway for someone in need .

Shall keep stealing

So I can find the joy

Or shall I stop before the faces are everything but bright?