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The Topography of a Face


02.23.12 Posted in today's words by

Harris Tobias’ most recent poem to appear here was On Making a PDF (January 2012). 

The Topography of a Face
By Harris Tobias

I smile and my face shatters like a dish
Who can read the topography of a life
The tectonic plates of sorrow and loss
Shift and split beyond all recognition
The pattern of life lived
Has etched its jagged way across my flesh
Eroded and shifting, the fault lines of age
Lay out a map I scarce can follow
It is the wrinkled skin of a forgotten fruit
Dry and withered but still sweet



4 Responses to “The Topography of a Face”

  1. Loved the poem, but it made me think about aging – not one of my favorite realities.

  2. Bittersweet. But summed up beautifully.

  3. bobbie troy says:

    I agree with Jeanette.

  4. Sari says:

    yep
    a tough topic but a lovely poem
    Thanks!!
    still sweet…

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