Mirrored and Staged

Is it novel, or the persona of writing a book Is it accomplishment, or the ability to brag and to strut Is it knowledge, or the prestige of having a degree Is it passion, or a fire blown out in the breeze Is it devotion, or the favors your hope seeks to buy Is it emotion, or an act put on while others cry Is it loyalty, or the badge you can wear on your sleeve Is it heartbreak, or just words feigned to con and deceive Is it strength, or the muscles that bulge in your arm Is it beauty, or the makeup you wear when you charm Is it vision, or a view from another’s back porch Is it time, or the minutes and hours you torch Is it courage, on the backs of soldiers who paid Is it love, or an image just mirrored and staged (Villanova Pennsylvania: July, 2016)