Mother's Face
by Elizabeth L. Collins

The mother remembers her reflection
as a young woman,
regrets every wrinkle, every crease, every imperfection
brought on by age and worry.

Her child accepts
every wrinkle, every crease, every imperfection
with love,
learning every laughing line over the years,
memorizing each favorite feature for her mind’s eye,
treasured as perfection.

Remembering smiles, tender gazes
and gentle, goodnight kisses,
her child simply feels
Mother’s face is beautiful.