Mirror

Gym exuberance of inflated expectations, a zone of grunt and sweat I curl my way to fifty crunches, sit ups like the urgency of passion My puffing, a heart racing horror, gulped breath like frayed bag pipes groaning Misplaced faith that ripped abdominals will return comforting false belief, the glue of gym religion trying to barter with time to restore a faded body image This flabby stomach resisting restoration subdued by the clarity of aging Hushed denial that youthful prime has been cut in two like an apple severed Where to shake blame's finger? Gym mirror strikes a keen awareness of self as my reflective stare craves a different truth to soften the starch of aging to soothe the bully tones of real When truth cannot be unglued from what the mirror tells you Poem composed: June 6, 2021 Revised: July 28/21

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Marikate Kingston

Date: 4/11/2023 3:02:00 PM

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? Hard to age and watch your body change, BUT as long as you exercise that's what counts. Think of your happy heart!

Brian Sambourne
Date: 4/11/2023 3:25:00 PM

Greetings Marikate. You are wise indeed. Ignore the mirror + all that sags. My waist is still a size 36 so that's not too bad for an aging boomer. Hope that you are well. My appreciation for your stop by. Sincerely, Brian

Gary Radice

Date: 8/1/2021 10:23:00 AM

Very astute observations, Brian, and great use of words wrapped up in a free verse that had me smiling, nodding in agreement and 'reflecting' on several home body truths all of my own to the very end. This is an excellent poem worthy of many more positive comments.

Brian Sambourne
Date: 8/1/2021 10:28:00 AM

Thank you, Gary. Your encouragement is a tonic to my wayward pen. 'Mirror' recently hit an NA wall so little exposure to date. Take care. Hope your creative verse continues. Cheers Brian

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/17/2021 3:43:00 AM

Oh, yes, I can relate to this honesty " thunderbolts compose themselves in questions " Nicely done!

Brian Sambourne
Date: 7/17/2021 7:04:00 AM

Hi Caren, Oh yes, the honesty of the mirror in the face of self deception - ah gym days. Thank you for stopping by. Brian

Susan Woodrow

Date: 7/6/2021 3:20:00 PM

oh good one! so many truths worded so well starting from inflated expectations lol the kettle description especially good and had me thinking of kettle bells or is it kettle ball weights?, which scare the living heck straight out on my lower back hehe Very enjoyable read that's so relatable :)

Brian Sambourne
Date: 7/6/2021 9:39:00 PM

Thanks very much, Susan. I always appreciate your insightful views. Heading back to seniors' fitness class soon - flab + resolution in tow. Best wishes, Brian