Laughter Lines

I look in the mirror In the morning I look rough Smeared make up from yesterday Hair all over the place Tumbling down my shoulders Unorganised, tangled, knotted I study my reflection I have lines on my face Each tell a story One for each of my children born One for each grandchild too Joy and happiness etched onto my face More apparent when I smile There are also lines of sorrow One for each loved one mourned Another for each heart break felt And all the times I cried My face paints a picture Of a life lived well and full A life of love and loss But more laughter than tears I hope I have a face which displays emotion No creams or potions I need My face is mine I own it I wear my heart on my sleeve Why not my life on my face? And add to it as the years go by So now I look in the mirror My face smiles back at me Because we both know That love and loss, sorrow and joy Are all part of life As are laughter lines on your face Wear them with pride Take what life gives And smile at yourself You are real