Mirror Reflection

I see her in reflection
as the steam evaporates
from the mirrored back splash
behind the counter
In front of me
where I wait impatiently
for my morning fix -
coffee and  a bagel.

There she sits - alone
at a table for two
by the window

Shaky hands
lifting a paper cup to
her quivering lips -
haunted eyes starring 
at a newspaper
she doesn’t see 
as her mind wonders
through old memories.

The pain is sharp
as the blade of recognition
enters my heart

For it is now -
with my back turned to her
I clearly see her 
in the light of today-
as the mirror reflection
reverses the rolls we play

She - now the child
I – now the mother

Oh!  the tricks
that time does play.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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123
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
January 31, 2010 at 11:09 AM
God Bless, Lainie. A touching poem. This one reaches the heart. Vince
Ahearn Avatar
January 31, 2010 at 6:29 AM
Very good work.Congrats for being a featured poet this week.
Pickett Avatar
January 27, 2010 at 6:38 AM
Father time does play tricks... I remember my adolescent years like they were yesterday... Now a thirty year old man.... Still young, but reminiscent.... Good write friend... Congrats on the feature.....:JP]
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
January 27, 2010 at 4:06 AM
Congratulations Elaine, on having your warming heartfelt poem featured this week. It was an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing. Lovingly, Dane
Austin Avatar
January 26, 2010 at 7:56 AM
Wow! This is really food-for-thought! It's hell to get old...or is it?" Congrats on this super poem selection. Love, daver
Fisher Avatar
January 25, 2010 at 11:18 AM
Many congrats on your well deserved feature this week. Rgds Janette
Richards Avatar
January 25, 2010 at 8:55 AM
Oh my....how I relate myself to this poem...It spoke to me!! I often reflect this way....(who is this person I see in the mirror or window reflection?)....So worthy to be featured this week Elaine...this is a wonderful insightful poem! Congratulations!~Love, Carrie
Strand Avatar
January 25, 2010 at 8:25 AM
Congrats on your feature poem this week Elaine Rgds Brian
Sweetheart Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 9:16 PM
Congrats Lainie on your featured poem on the Soup this week.. beautiful choice..luv.. Linda-Marie..
 Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 2:50 PM
Sad reality for far too many. The emotion comes through your words. Congratuations on having your poem featured. I wish you ongoing success with your writing. Karen
Gorelick Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 2:25 PM
Congrats on being featured this week..this is fine work and very emotional. BG
Fraser Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 1:51 PM
Many congratulations in you deserved featured poem this week, Elaine >> James
Brown Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Congratulations are your well deserved featured poem this week Lainie. Love, Carol
Muzzey Avatar
December 27, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Congratulations on making the semi finals and good luck. A very nice poem. I enjoyed the read. Caryl
Sheart Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Lainie,Congrats on your poem winning the first round of PS contest!! Two poems making the grade that's really something, smile. Very well deserved, enjoyed reading your wonderful poetry. Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! May 2010 be your best year ever! Love Light Patty
Strand Avatar
December 21, 2009 at 12:35 AM
Congrats on your first round contest success Elaine.Rgds Brian
 Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 5:39 PM
The emotion comes through your words in this poem. Congratulations on having two poems make it to the finals. Way to go my friend! Wishing you the best in the next round. Karen
K. Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Congrats again for this entry, Lainie :) Wish you all the best :)
Gorelick Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 11:21 AM
How are they going to choose? this is fine too. Congrats! BG
Gorelick Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 11:21 AM
How are they going to choose? this is fine too. Congrats! BG
Fraser Avatar
December 20, 2009 at 10:10 AM
Many congratulations on reaching the second round with your fine poem Elaine >> James
Loving Iii Avatar
August 28, 2009 at 4:35 PM
and also is me. i too am amazed at the times and the trick that was so hidden in plain sight all thes years. and now we live after just a taste. you are strumming my fate with your fingers. john h loving iii
Austin Avatar
August 15, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Typical excellence from one of the soup's very best. Where are you, Lainie? I look for you constantly. Please give us some more wonderful poetry. Love, daver
Brown Avatar
July 16, 2009 at 4:21 AM
Lainie, This is awesome. I love it. To my favs. Hope your novel is about complete. I miss you so much. Love and blessings to you and yours always my friend. Love, Carol
Golden Avatar
June 18, 2009 at 11:42 AM
This is such a poignat portrayal of our reality as adults. I think we have so much to learn from each other, and God isn't finished with us until we've experienced ALL aspects of love. Thanks for this, Lainie!
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