The Grin Beneath My Skin

I have looked at myself in this selfsame mirror
All of my days now and I see ever clearer
A skull as it begins to grin beneath my skin

At least it is smiling while I am here whiling
Away the days and ways of this my mortal span

I would rather be peering through this portal than
Finding myself on that other side as I will
Someday then I suspect when this face will be still

The shade of skin will fade away till just the grin
Remains a Cheshire cat surprise beyond the pains
And ups and downs of poets and clowns like I was

My face frowns but the skull grins and that gives me pause

+Steven Curtis Lance



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