I Like Actors With Lined Faces Poem by Patti Masterman

I like actors with lined faces
I like faces with their own autobiography
and address: it saves so much time

And if you can read the hieroglyphic code
between the lines, that's even better
If you can decipher which

Are smoking wrinkles around
the eyes, and which from
genuine emotion

Now there's something I don't like
the bitter sculpted faces
Because I'm afraid of cruelty's harshness

There is a dead expression
around the eyes too, you should avoid
People who've forgotten how to feel
or too many trips to the plastic surgeon

I like faces that are a map
straight to the unknown territories
that surround a man's heart

Faces can take you on a trip
if you will accept their baggage
for a limit of time

But don't get confused
by the mirror
Sometimes age merely subdivides a division
that's already over explored

Don't judge until
you walk a mile wearing somebody's face
but be sure and give it back afterward.

Don't forget and wear it home
Your spouse might not recognize you
The dog might try to mate with it

Don't hire your face out unless
you can be absolutely certain
what they're planning to use it for.