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I Stare In the Mirror

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Although I must lay claim to some of the ailments of age, I count myself lucky to have escaped (so far) some of the extremes that advancing years can bring.

But there are some days (and when I wrote this in 2022 it must have been one of them) when it all catches up with me and gives me an unpleasant kick.

Listen to poem:

I Stare in the Mirror I stare in the mirror and what do I see? An old man with rheumy eyes looking at me. Who is this old codger, this balding old shell, Who cannot remember what it’s like to feel well? Where is the vibrance, the get up and go? Why are his movements so painful and slow? Who stole his glowing skin, his dark flashing eyes, His derring-do, courage, his sense of emprise? What happened to big ideas? Future? Ambition? Why do his joints fight a war of attrition? Why can he see clearly adolescence long past, When he cannot remember the thing he ate last? It doesn’t make sense, I don’t recognise him, With his belly and baldness and weakness of limb. No! That mirror’s a liar, whatever I see. Whoever that old man is, he can’t be me!

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Ilene Bauer

Date: 12/20/2022 12:35:00 PM

well done, brian! i guess we might as well laugh about it - not much else we can do!

Brian K. Bilverstone
Date: 12/21/2022 2:02:00 AM

Yep. If you didn't laugh, you'd cry! Thank you for commenting.

Deb M

Date: 12/20/2022 10:28:00 AM

Absolutely love this poem Brian! Beautifully written and rhymed …..Debx

Brian K. Bilverstone
Date: 12/21/2022 2:03:00 AM

Thank you Deb. Glad you enjoyed it.

Karen Jones

Date: 12/20/2022 8:27:00 AM

Ah but to grow old is a blessing denied to many! I enjoyed the rhyme and empathise with the message!

Brian K. Bilverstone
Date: 12/20/2022 8:29:00 AM

This is very true and, as an ex-serviceman I truly appreciate that. But that doesn't make the process any easier. Thank you for your comment.

Paul Bell

Date: 12/20/2022 8:21:00 AM

Hate those type of mirrors, should be outlawed. As long as you can run a 5-minute mile, you're still young.

Brian K. Bilverstone
Date: 12/20/2022 8:30:00 AM

Me too. As for the five-minute mile, I haven't done that since - well ever, I think!! ?? Thank you for your comment.