Marianne Moore




A Face

“I am not treacherous, callous, jealous, superstitious,
supercilious, venomous, or absolutely hideous”:
	studying and studying its expression,
	exasperated desperation
		though at no real impass,
		would gladly break the mirror;

when love of order, ardor, uncircuitous simplicity
with an expression of inquiry, are all one needs to be!
	Certain faces, a few, one or two—or one
	Face photographed by recollection—
		to my mind, to my sight,
		must remain a delight.