Lines on a face that mark
The trajectory of time,
Happiness and sorrow and rage
Written into the skin—
As if every guffaw,
Every tear,
Every unexpressed word,
Can be contained no longer.

They manifest on the surface:
A wrinkle between the brows
For frowns and consternation.
Crow’s feet under the eyes
For laughter and joy.
Time overwriting beauty,
The smooth planes of youth,
Expressing itself victor.

So live—
Cry—
Shout—
Laugh—
Care not about those deep marks
That render a reflection unknown.
Ephemeral life gone in a wink—
Only the impressions remain.