First, the eyes, those faithful harbingers of truth.
Two black half-moons to start and shading to show
where the laugh lines fan out at the corners.

Then the smooth plane of brow,
that lofty tower of intellect
in whose dark cupboards are hidden
moth-eaten songs and secrets.

The short bridge of the nose comes next,
slightly tilted at the tip, a light dusting
of amber-colored freckles sprinkled over the surface
for good measure.

The peaks of cheekbones must follow
two mountaintops that jut fiercely from
the snowy expanse of countenance.

Further down you’ll find the pale rosebud of mouth,
which will be curved either in laughter or in retort
revealing teeth straightened by years
of torturous orthodontia.

The short curve of chin completes the circle,
visibly upturned to satisfy
its owner’s curiosity.

Cascading on both sides is an unruly waterfall,
pitch in color and unpredictable of temperament
refusing to be confined by brush or band.

The end result a face crafted by both genes
and personal history.