-- Sleeping Faces --

by John Herlihy

Our sleeping faces are a vision to behold,

The most honest story the face ever told.

Lost in concentration, in endless thought,

An idea worth considering, forever sought.

Someone staring at a field of yellow flowers,

Enchantment felt during the midnight hours.

A look of puzzlement, frustration and fear,

A look of composure that produces a tear.

A visage of misery, or worry without cease,

A visage of contentment, shining inner peace.

Face of the sleeping child, sweetness tender,

Open mouths of old men, days to remember.

Awake we exhibit anxiety, sleep lends charm,

Awake we betray fear, asleep we feel no harm.

Criminals display their guilt while they dose,

Grandmother displays satisfaction in repose.

What do our faces tell others while we sleep,

A monster, an angel, a liar, or perhaps a thief.

Wicked humor lies in our portrait as we sleep,

The mask lifted, lies exposed, the world to greet.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Monday 2 September 2024