Go Back, Ii

I gazed into my unforgiving mirror, but you were fierce, gazed right back, shamed me. Strong as I thought I might be, you were stronger, and as my strength wilted before you I felt ashamed in defeat; weak as I thought I might be, you were weaker, and as I presided over your weakness I felt ashamed for you. I glanced into my pitiful mirror, but you were feeble, glanced meekly back, ashamed in defeat. And we stood together for a while, berating each other, accepting scorn, both ashamed, humiliated by the fruitless contest. And then I walked away (I cannot speak for you) and sat alone for a while, ashamed in my defeat. 26th March 2005