Self Portrait

Nose and eyes speak Italy

pale skin of Ireland…

I see my father’s face,

my grandmother’s,

looking back at me, and wonder

how far back do these features go?

 

Atop my head are chestnut strands

that seem to have won

second place ~

I wear the silver with pride

 

Laugh lines tell favorite parts

of my story,

while darker chapters lurk

beneath my eyes,

framed by ever-present specs ~

the better to see, I suppose…

 

And though I am not at all graceful,

in my eyes I seek ~

as my soul holds on to the promise

of grace…

Author's Note

For Angi's self portrait contest.

captcha: snuzzle :)

Reviews

[00000000000000000000000..]

Sounds like you were gave a gift ,From how your poem speaks,Great write:)

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Jon!

[0000000000000000000000000000]

Your very welcome

[jo t]

I love this poem, it's very clever. I really like it how it tells a story of where you have come from progressing through to describing who you are. Great poem

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you very much, jo t!

[Lydia Shutter]

The concept of winning second place because you have silver strands in your hair is fantastic. Your soul does speak through your words, Rita. I can tell you are a family person and that you love your dog. This is a lovely self-portrait! Great imagery. Lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Lydi! Yes, my family is my very soul... and that dog (sleeping at my feet as I type) is my heart. :)

[Joyce S. Greene]

Your words are filled with grace, Rita. This is a lovely poem written by a very lovely lady.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Joyce.

[Rayner Ramsay]

wow, this is really good. I am glad you are still writing

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Horrorguy.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Awesome write, Rita... "Laugh lines tell favorite parts/of my story,/while darker chapters lurk/ beneath my eyes," were my favorite lines, you told a story within them alone.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Travis, for this generous review.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It was my pleasure.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you look like a very relaxed and kind person, Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Jacob. Kind... I try. Relaxed... that's the dog's influence!

[Jack...]

As beautiful as you are my friend. I loved every word of this.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Jack... :)

[Michael G. Smith]

You sound like a very nice young lady, but where are some likes and dislikes?

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! My likes are pretty transparent, and I don't give energy to my dislikes! :)

[Marie]

Your words can scarcely paint how lovely you are...

[Rita L. Sev]

Marie, your kind words have made my night! Thank you so much.