We scan your face for resemblance

to ancestors who died decades ago,

In the mound of your brow,

the rise of your cheek,

and in the curve of your nose,

we chart ourselves.

What variations and combinations

we wonder

will make the faces of children

yet to be born.

We marvel at the law of genetics. And remember

the silk of balding grandfather’s beard in your hair.

We see in your face portraits of ourselves

signed by well-known artists we can never afford.