Is it only an illusion?

The battle scars of life
more pronounced
on a face that is gaunt
compared to thirty pounds more
not that long ago
in what’s now clearly a former life

Though no illusion
that same image reflected
in the eyes and expression
of the faces it encounters
good or bad
an energy that can’t be hidden

And yet
without those battle scars
the one wearing them
certainly diminished
in stature of experience and wisdom
so they may be looked upon
more as medals of honour
far more valuable than any
vanity of lost beauty


© 2026

70 hits as of April 2026

04/22/2026

Posted on 04/22/2026
Copyright © 2026 Chris Sorrenti