John A'Hern Poet Free verse

Mirror, Mirror

Morning arrives, out of bed, coffee beckons, 
Pass the hallway mirror, reflection directions. 
Stop dead in tracks, return to check the vision 
Looking weary despite night's invasion. 

Closer inspection of my face 
Hair receding but not stopped intrusion 
Out of nose and ears, a forest is flourishing. 
Need a shave without question, 
Vision seems to say you have permission. 

Now I realise there are two voices, 
Mine I recognise, other not so sure. 
Younger man's voice still no recognition 
When you signed up for this adventure 
Did you believe there would be no questions? 

While I struggled for an answer, 
Questions flowed from the asker. 
Looked around, no one watching, 
Decided to join in this session. 

When I talk to myself, 
Questions are usually answered 
With the sense, that makes me happy
This face to face has now turned ugly 

Now the vision is of a younger man, 
Struggle to understand recognition 
I stand in awe at the happening, 
Laughter comes from the younger man 

I now stand and listen
Life's lessons are being given
Mirror becomes mist covered, 
I lean forward and begin to rub. 

I freeze and look at two visions 
Mam and Dad stand before me. 
Ask the questions you did not before 
Could not speak, tears flowed 
Awoke in bed, it was just a nightmare. 

Lay there with the scenes fresh in my head 
Kitchen calls, coffee needed
Pass the hallway mirror without a glance 
Return to mirror coffee in hand 
No vision now seen, not even me.

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Lady Labyrinth March 4, 2022 at 2:54 AM It's best not to look in the mirrors, you never know what ghost is going to present itself out of nowhere. The entire poem is superb, but I especially like this, "Closer inspection of my face "Hair receding but not stopped intrusion Out of nose and ears, a forest is flourishing. Need a shave without question, Vision seems to say you have permission." That morning mirror is a doozy, one to be avoided until at least midday. John A'Hern March 4, 2022 at 12:02 PM Hi Lady Labyrinth, thank you for your comments on the poem. Mirrors in general do not have a good reputation, break one and you are in all sorts of trouble. I do not look in mirrors that much these days, I hear a comment "Have you looked in the mirror today" I straighten my collar and go on my way.