Lines.

When you smile, I see the lines by your eyes have deepened with age.
Behind the veil, a frozen frown marks the passage of time,
Greying decades that furrow the brow.

Bitter, hard winters, disease and decay,
Rivers of life that flow through your face,
While the warmth of the sun caresses awhile,
It withdraws your beauty, youth, and style.

Snow on your cheek, crevices ploughed,
Tears running like rain below the brow,
On a face mask that is taken before snow melts,
A painless etching of life, flickers, and wilts.

A jaded reflection through ageing eyes
Comforts a mind confused with doubt,
The opportunity looks gone, but do not cry,
The light in your eye is as blue as icy skies.

“Only time can stand the weather,”
And wise words that keep us together.
We cannot stop the sands of time
But I still love you, like you love the sunshine.

By Steve Halstead