Beyond the Face
by Odin Roark

How often we ponder
The portrait of life
Some without a face
Some with but war as a canvas

Such a face

Reveals folds above eyes
Disengaged as a draught-laden wilderness
Yet reliable as an infrequent desert storm

For amidst nature’s wisdom
Directional signs are forever available
Even though some may be
Subtle and wanting to hide
Still
Few pay attention

Perfection makes no judgment

Even as history is difficult to cover up
When presented by a face
That has obviously seen
More than most of us
Can dream of

Archiving such potential realities
Begs the opening of discovery
Often challenging one’s patience
The forever-our-partner in waiting
Smiling back sagacity so anxious
Wanting only to be part of our own smile

The face

What was
What is
What might attract
Veracious seekers of life
Accepting their journey
As the worth of engaging years
Infused with honesty
Allowing chiseled sculpture
To live forever in the eye’s mind
Of those who might also
Wish to perceive beyond the face

Projecting the wonder
Life
Peace
Waiting for the next iteration
Remains a journal of the spirit
Some will fortunately
Embrace with understanding
Knowing weathered skin
Is but captured wind and weather
Mind and soul
Body and suffering
Wanting only to remain
Without airbrush deceit
As is
As was
As will always be

While others

Will address
One’s life map of travels
With fearful retreat
Wanting still the shadows of delusion