The sun shines behind him, yet nothing could ever glow as bright as him. His features are dark but beautiful, like a fear that can be terribly charming. Dark black hair shades his eyes that I’ve memorised, silver-blue eyes with flicks of green across the iris. Dimples sit on each side of his heart-racing smile I’ve experience countless times. But no smile could compare to the day we met. Fireworks explode as his eyes reach mine. His lips curl like a wave breaking on the shore, their beauty so effortless it could be easily missed. But I never do.

I can’t help but stare at the sun. A bright beaming light I can’t help but reflect. Even in my gloomy hours I need but look upon their radiance and I feel renewed. The further I gaze the more is revealed. Eyes deep pools of hazel, leaving no recourse but to fall in. High cheek bones frame playful expressions and brows dance between deep thoughts and joyful surprise. And lastly lips, full and wanting that deliver their soul unto me through symphonic words, in song and speech. With a face like that, how could I ever turn away from it?

Almond brown big eyes, the sun giving them magic. But a sense of deep love and bond when you stare back at me. Hair so soft, just brushing it with my fingers gives me comfort. Little toes with a thick fat food makes you want to take a bite! Make a sandwich out of those chubby feet! and those little fingers, so smooth. Little legs with so many rolls. And a smile that lights up anyones day. Just a little chubby baby girl, so happy and adorable and I’m so grateful to look at you every day of my life.

Flood of light enters this world though your eyes. There is no separating your face from the voice that comes and holds me gently in your presence. And though in pictures I saw your ears were large and stuck out, now whey are a perfect size. I love how covid gave you a beard. I wonder what I would think of it when I was a kid. There are creases by your eyes where the jokes you made and the smiles you’ve shared left their impressions. Your smile is a happy crescent shinning in dark of night. My father’s face.

We were sitting in my car late at night listening to the radio. As we sat and talked for a while a shinning green comet fell from the sky. We both watched in awe as it lit up the sky right in front of our eyes. I then looked over at him. His piercing bright blue eyes looked like sapphires against his tan, smooth skin. The way he stared at me in that moment shook me to my core. It felt as if he was staring right through me, and it made my heart feel like it would jump out of my chest. I was unable to move or even think. I could only stare back trying to control my heavy breathing. His dirty blonde hair was short and looked soft like feathers. He clenched his straight and strong jaw. When he leaned in and kissed me, I ran my fingers through his hair. I was right - It was soft as feathers. His nose was long but fit his face perfectly. And after that first kiss I couldn’t stop smiling. While mine was wide and crooked his was perfectly straight and confident with white sparkling teeth. It’s one of those smiles that can make you smile instinctively. He was captivating and unique, almost impossible to not look at. He was so beautiful, I almost forgot what the comet looked like.

Her face is a world of wonder, Crafted from stars and dreams. Eyes, blue and boundless as the sky, Shimmer like sunlight beams, Framed by midnight lashes, Dark and infinite. Her tiny nose, a gentle curve, A flaw so intimate, Soft and small, Her perfect mouth With rows of crooked teeth Radiate the purest joy That spark and shine beneath. Her cheeks so soft and tender, Made for peppering with kisses, Hide shadows of your faces past, That mama dearly misses, With beauty like the cosmos A heart that matches too, Your precious face—my favorite Until we bid adieu

Electricity, two lightning bolts circling a deep darkness you can get lost in. Features so imprinted in your mind that will never be forgotten. An old, heavy, loud love. The one given not by innocence but by a life shared in happiness, pain, struggle and trust. A space both of respite and of challenge. Where comfort can be found but complacency is not welcome. The scent of cinnamon, turmeric, clove and coffee frame dark and brown hues, outlined by the marks of a life lived to its fullest. Passion; an eternal wild fire burning inside, handed down for generations.

A warm ray of sunshine turned flesh. Unbridled love as the expression of a soul full of trust, that hasn’t yet known fear. Passion, surface manifestation of true emotions that yet go deep and wide. Clear words that know how to express thoughts. Peace, the kind only found on those unmarred by the inexorable harshness of life. Serenity, the absolute surrender allowed to those who dream truly. Whiffs of metaphorical yet ever-present flowers. A bouquet of daisies and lavenders with hints of almond and strawberries. Softness, happiness, sweetness, but an eternal wild fire burning inside, handed down for generations.

I love you Your hair Your smile It doesn’t matter I love it all My safe space My haven The person Who always knows what to say To keep me from drifting away When in a crowd With no one I know around I look for your face And suddenly I am not so afraid Of what or who could come my way You have always been there No matter the day To every show Every recital Even to every mattene To my favorite person Who I very much love You are the best sister ever From Mia, with love

My daughter Lilli always has a saucy grin. Her warm latte colored skin is set off by her striking dark bob. Her bangs graze her eyebrows. Her symmetrical cheekbones will be stunning when she’s older; they peek out when I scrape her hair back into a ballet bun. She is still growing into her teeth, banded by a metal expander. Her expressive eyes by turns fiery, mischievous, furious, and sad, sometimes within an hour. I love her best when she is laughing, her smile broad and toothy, her hazel eyes sparkling, one perfect beauty mark and her heart shaped chin.