i like those pretty lines
on your face

those little creases
with each frown
with every squint
your puckered lips
and eyebrow-raises

those permanent folds
that etch your happiness
across the canvas
that is your face

those delicate grooves
that tell me you've been
happy a few
and sad once too many

i like those pretty lines
and that they're here to stay

and my dear,
i hope that i'll add
to those around your mouth
some day