Alison A Smith Poet Verse

Notes About The Poem

Written 30th, June, 2026 for FINISH IN TEN Poetry Contest - sponsored by Nette Onclaud.

 

"A mirror does not judge when you look at it." — Eduvie Donald

Mirror Shapes You

I twist what you think that you already know,
I stretch you to soaring, shrink you to low,
I ripple your outline and widen your grin,
I toy with the edges that hold you within,
I flicker each time as you slip into view,
I dance with the shape that you think is you,
You laugh at the stranger I help you become,
I’m a thief of your shape till at last you succumb,
You ask what I am as I alter your frame—
The carnival mirror—I play the same game.

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Christopher Haywood July 31, 2026 at 3:51 PM Alison, as I look, I ask "who are you?" A slight movement and you are another. "Is this my true self?" "Is this how people perceive me?" I am me, although only a reflection and refraction of light on molecules. Surely, it is the lens that is disoriented. Very good. High marks you get. I believe you are a very professional writer. Alison A Smith July 31, 2026 at 6:50 PM I am not professional. My heart is all I have to express what I express. Thank you for your compliment.❤️⭐

Andrea Dietrich July 17, 2026 at 4:46 PM This one has a high spot on top 100 best poems and it deserves it Alison A Smith July 17, 2026 at 6:25 PM Thank you Andrea - I hadn't realised it had.

the barefoot bard July 7, 2026 at 2:23 AM Alison A Smith July 7, 2026 at 4:21 AM Thank you Douglas the barefoot bard July 7, 2026 at 2:24 AM Well done Alison

Sotto Poet July 6, 2026 at 12:51 AM Alicia, congratulations on your contest win with this wonderful and deeply thought-out poem. Alison A Smith July 6, 2026 at 1:45 AM Thank you Sotto

Karen Croft July 6, 2026 at 12:08 AM congrats on your placement!!! Alison A Smith July 6, 2026 at 1:45 AM Thank you Karen

Christine Watts July 5, 2026 at 5:35 PM Hi Alison Yes indeed the mirror shapes us whether we like it or not mI enjoyed your take on this prompt Well done Congrats Cheers Christine Alison A Smith July 5, 2026 at 7:21 PM Thank you Christine

Karen Croft July 2, 2026 at 6:56 PM nice rhyme scheme! Alison A Smith July 2, 2026 at 7:29 PM Thank you Karen

Janice Canerdy July 2, 2026 at 5:52 PM Alison, this is an excellent, thought-provoking poem! Janice Alison A Smith July 2, 2026 at 5:54 PM Thank you Janice for you kind words.

Rat Rat July 2, 2026 at 8:20 AM I loved every line of this poem, I can tell it was thought out carefully. Keep writing ! Alison A Smith July 2, 2026 at 2:30 PM Thank you - your comment is appreciated.

Joe Maverick July 2, 2026 at 5:42 AM Not a dim write Alison, almost trite yet Not quite.' Shining bright.) Alison A Smith July 2, 2026 at 2:29 PM lol, thank you Joe reflected back at you.

Victor Buhagiar July 2, 2026 at 5:22 AM Lovely intriguing poem. Wonderful last line. Alison A Smith July 2, 2026 at 2:28 PM Thank you Victor

Evelyn Judy Buehler July 1, 2026 at 10:11 PM This beautiful poem is mysterious and intriguing, a fascinating verse! Nicely written! :) Alison A Smith July 1, 2026 at 10:27 PM Thanks Evelyn. My aim is always create thought.

Paige Hind July 1, 2026 at 3:28 PM In my FAVS <3 every line, Alison A Smith July 1, 2026 at 3:47 PM Thank Paige your presence in my poetry makes me so happy.

Valsa George June 30, 2026 at 7:06 PM This has been an excellent way of interpreting the mirror magic, sometimes distorting and sometimes enhancing our image. All the best, Alison. Alison A Smith June 30, 2026 at 8:34 PM Thank you Valsa

Andrea Dietrich June 30, 2026 at 1:49 PM A very cool interpretation of the prompt. There were so many ways to go with this one. I love the carnival mirrors that slim me!! Alison A Smith June 30, 2026 at 8:34 PM Me too

Phyllis Babcock June 30, 2026 at 11:51 AM Enjoyed this well written write about looking into a mirror. Sometimes it reflects the deeper parts of our thoughts. love phyl

Mike Bayles June 30, 2026 at 7:50 AM I like the line, "I like to dance with the shape that you think is you." I like how the mirror plays with your expectations.

Gershon Wolf June 30, 2026 at 7:44 AM Love those crazy carnival mirrors.... and love the personification in your poem too, Alison. :) gw

Natasha L Scragg June 30, 2026 at 7:05 AM I love the way you have written this. The mirror plays its own game ... cameras do too. Also added to my faves list, don't be surprised if you are POTD'd tomorrow. It is excellent!

Kim Rodrigues June 30, 2026 at 6:12 AM Alison, this is fantastic! I read it and read it again! Fave! It is metaphoric as well as straight forward. It causes us to ponder. Alison A Smith June 30, 2026 at 6:19 AM My job is done. Thank for the fav.

Karen Jones June 30, 2026 at 6:00 AM A delightful poem with a whimsical energy! Love this so much I’ll fave! Best wishes for the contest!

Sara Kendrick June 30, 2026 at 5:36 AM Ahhh!! Yes, how the mirror can be cruel to us, but we are the one doing the looking. I enjoyed reading this contest entry which reads like a good contender to me. Way to go. Sara K. Alison A Smith June 30, 2026 at 5:40 AM Thank you Sara K. I hope its am on track for what is required.