I don’t remember when I had my first
exfoliating facial, but I learned
the ravages of stress could be reversed
(or maybe just delayed), the lines sunburned
could be addressed if I reclined four hours
a year and lent complexion to the hands
of someone trained among emollient powers,
extracting cleanse, and collagen commands.

Of course I was too busy in my prime
to follow that advice. I seldom sought
the costly couch, but now I have the time
and damages that fifty years have wrought.
Each month a custom facial’s what I seek;
it feels so good I want one every week.