There I Am Ageless

I peer at myself in the mirror.
My forehead is nice though I like it covered with bangs.
Lines there are to be expected,
and so too, the crows’ feet at my eyes.
At the base of my forehead are dark brown brows.
They are the one aspect of my face 
that I’ve deliberately and totally transformed.
No longer Brook Shield eyebrow lookalikes,
they have been plucked into the tamer form I desired.

My nose is the same long nose with its strange small hump
that  I detested since my youth,
but I have learned to live with it.
Though I am not fond of my profile,
when I see myself straight on, I find my nose rather cute.
As with all things in my life that I learned to accept with time,
I now accept the length of my nose as a quality which gives it character.
My extradordinary Roman nose is part of who I am,
regardless of the fact I have no Italian blood!

When I really analyze my aging face,
I see that the weight of all my years has lengthened it.
My face was always long, but nicely oval.
It’s even longer now, thin, and just a tad droopy.
Yes, life has pulled it down,
and I’m not terribly pleased about that.

Chipmunk cheeks above smiling dimples
have given way for a somewhat more somber look
due to my laugh lines (no laughing matter)
having grown more defined.
Those deeper lines I think reflect
my having delved more deeply by now
into things of which fresh youth
can simply not conceive.

If I could use a veil,
my long-lashed  eyes above it would seem the same 
as I have remembered them since my guiless youth.
Their light, indistinct color (Grey? Green? Blue?)
stays forever lovely. Find me behind them.
There I am ageless.

Dec. 22, 2019 
for the The Metaphor Of Your Face Poetry Contest of John Lawless
March 18, 2022 for 'A BRIAN STRAND 1092' Contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Marcum Wong Avatar
March 21, 2022 at 11:34 AM
You examined your face in great detail to write a poem for this contest Andrea. I have never really looked at my face that long, only to put makeup on my eyes because my lashes are so light. You give us your outer beauty and a peek into your inner beauty as well. Congratulations on your top win. I think we all possess ageless beauty inside. Blessings xxoo
Goff Avatar
March 20, 2022 at 5:19 AM
Oh my, Andrea! your last stanza is simply spectacular...after selflessly revealing yourself, you stand so proud, quite breathless am I, actually! Congrats!
Alex Avatar
March 20, 2022 at 5:01 AM
Being for all seasons. Beautifully written. Congratulations!
Theraven Avatar
December 31, 2019 at 12:31 AM
Andrea, Then ageless you shall you stay. The rest of me will be pardoned from that refrain. -Richard
Johnson Avatar
December 28, 2019 at 5:45 PM
It's so true, the basic essence of this poem. That all the analyzing of this and that of esthetic aspects of how we see ourselves. On the inside, we are still us. Long live our spirits beyond this world of wanting immortality. :) <3 :)
Scars Avatar
December 26, 2019 at 9:58 AM
amazing poem sweet Andrea! As always, you capture your true essence. A beautiful woman with ageless features. (an ageless heart too) Blessings, x:-)-luloo
Agustin Avatar
December 25, 2019 at 11:45 PM
Wow! Thanks for sharing this. God bless you. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Foster Avatar
December 25, 2019 at 2:43 PM
The was lovely. Imagery, rememberance... love it... Ann
Lamoureux Avatar
December 25, 2019 at 9:38 AM
This is lovely Andrea as you are lovely. Merry Christmas and blessings for the new year. Hugs Rick.
Krutsinger Avatar
December 25, 2019 at 3:42 AM
I felt like I was you as I devoured this amazing poem Andrea.
Horn Avatar
December 24, 2019 at 10:45 PM
Ageless and courageous definitely..
Wolves Avatar
December 24, 2019 at 4:41 PM
As wisdom sits upon your brow... Loves laughter upon your lips... Like a fine wine you've aged with perfection...
Messina Avatar
December 24, 2019 at 7:00 AM
You have described you beautiful self wonderfully, Andrea. Best of luck in the contest. Happy Holidays to you and your family. Hugs Charlie
Anish Avatar
December 23, 2019 at 7:58 PM
Yes, the years change us. I dye my hair and usually wear a hat since I am losing it. Your real beauty shines forth in your verse. You will defeat the winds of mortality if you keep at it! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Laurie Avatar
December 23, 2019 at 4:56 PM
Hello Andrea … time may slowly take a toll externally but our inner self sees us still youthful and that's great. I can certainly relate to your verse Andrea - Lindsay
Theraven Avatar
December 23, 2019 at 12:11 PM
Andrea, I enjoyed this well-described poem with a Roman nose and assist from gravity. Both my chins approve! Merry Christmas to you & family, -Richard
Cunningham Avatar
December 23, 2019 at 1:45 AM
They say beauty lies within but in your case external too. Merry Christmas Andrea. Good luck. Tom
Poetry Avatar
December 22, 2019 at 10:08 PM
Ageless as your spirit still is dancing
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