Beauty and the beholder's eye,
Can never be the same.
On a view of self we can’t rely,
A sense of one's own beauty claim.

From inside how can we true see,
What from outside can be seen?
How sure a judge can we ever be,
And over changes self decree?

And do we own our gifted looks,
The appearance we present?
Have a right requesting lifts and tucks,
Without the wider world's consent.

For our beauty doesn't itself exist,
Until by someone else revealed.
Never by ourselves will we be kissed,
Or to our own looks same way yield.

So why do we then feel the need,
To change how we are viewed?
Risk despoiling who we are pay heed,
Affront to nature quite so crude.

There's a symmetry of age and being,
Presents us each as look we should.
From head to toe, the observer seeing,
What life determined that they would.

For we are the sum of many parts,
Which creates the world-seen whole.
The inheritance which our span imparts,
It's gifts, its stresses and toll.

Nature sculpts as nature should,
With an eye on our survival.
In a way we certain never could,
With a skill we cannot rival.

Where then that distinctive you,
The life-hewn featured face?
The countenance so loved, all knew,
Lost to a seeming fruitless chase?

Aspect unique and fate fantastic,
By which your essence caught.
Cast in porcelain-like plastic,
Made ageless, still and taught.

Looks of course are a passing thing,
Yet your face is a window such.
That it does to the fore from inside bring,
Enough to reveal a hint of much.

This glimpse of hidden heart and mind,
If appearance disconnected.
Leaves others, that hint at a loss to find,
Interrogations all, rejected.

Lost the suitors to whom your looks,
Might have been their first attraction.
Appeal to which a future hooks,
Now artful rendered to abstraction.

And do you then need keep apace,
With advancing years and changes?
Have you set out on a winless race,
Its course which nature rearranges?

With visible cosmetic and tattoo art,
Has our sense of self been altered?
As from a long-term view of life depart,
I wonder have we short-term faltered.

But each has the choice to take this course,
If they believe it’s right for them.
Whilst hoping there's no buyer's remorse,
From such no problems stem.

And if happy with the changes made,
Have greater confidence and pride.
Pleased with results of this time-tease trade,
Then from its joy no need to hide.

So, if considering such work today,
Bear in mind my slight derision.
But if this delivers you a brighter day,
Then you made the right decision.