Each day finds me in the spotlight <br />up above my mirror hung. <br />Revealing all my blemishes, <br />which can stop me looking young. <br /> <br />The jaw line is not so taut now, <br />and eyelids are drooping fast. <br />I’d hoped to grow old gracefully, <br />but the job ahead is vast. <br /> <br />Every hour brings on wrinkles, <br />which seem to be very deep, <br />The make-up kit cannot conceal, <br />when the imperfections creep. <br /> <br />I dab on sheer beige foundation, <br />what’s missing is pencilled in. <br />Some rosy lips to draw the eye <br />from the flaws upon the chin. <br /> <br />If I could just keep my distance, <br />the picture is not a shock. <br />A pleasant face appears and smiles, <br />bit like turning back the clock. <br /> <br />But in the garish light of day, <br />those age lines stand out for real. <br />For when that spotlight shines on me, <br />I so need a facial peel.<br /><br />Ernestine Northover<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/turning-back-the-clock/
