Mirror Mirror on the Wall
What you don’t see is what you don’t get
We have only one life to live. Constantly looking in the rear view mirror makes it harder. A positive attitude, love of self, and willingness to embrace the road ahead is helpful. My poem tries to capture what many of us struggle to accept. Read it below and also listen to a recorded version in article voiceover.
Look at me, brow furrowed with time
every sag whispering I’m already past my prime
eyes dimmed with memory of years gone by
and even though I really, really try
it’s not the face I want to see
it’s not the me I want to be.
The selective, seductive lure of who I once was
all shining and youthful, no visible flaws
to worry about, no imperfection to endure
so inexperienced and yet so sure
that time may break but I need not bend
that image would last until the very end.
But now I get it. I must train the mind
to see the gentler beauty that lies behind
beneath the surface, each day, discover new
tell my soul I sense you, my body I feel you,
I live your strength in every ache and pain
in every generous curve I see my gain.
And when gleams of silver cast a mellower light
to power grey tresses and brighten the night
perception takes an open happy leap
across the grooves and lines both shallow and deep
channels of life carving messages to send
that time is always relative, not the very end.
So, to that face in the mirror I say loud and clear
I’ll look at you and conquer unhappy fear
because the years I lose are the wisdom I gain
along with sunshine I also welcome rain
so let me see it all, feel it all, believe it all
past, present, and future hanging on that wall.
© Padmini Patwardhan 2024. Previously published in The Lark on Medium.