Ode To An Impostor

What smug pseudomorph 
inhabits my reflection,

adroitly mimicking my 
every manner and expression,

mercilessly mocking me 
with flawless simulation?
 
She is the great pretender;
a master counterfeiter;
a furtive opportunist;
a thieving imitator.
 
She is a soul-sucking demon 
of the gravest degree;
a brazen parasite 
feeding on health and ingeny,

pillaging my youth 
with savage gleam and glee;
siphoning my precious hollow 
of vitality.
 
Time ticks across my aging face
while our eyes lock in defiance,
and in the end, my spurious friend
will demand my full compliance.
 
So, with a twinkling eye I wink 
at my mirrored facade,
acknowledging this fearsome foe 
with a playful nod.

Respectfully reciprocal, 
she gestures back to me in kind,
and we part as esteemed enemies, 
to my last breath resigned.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Cresswell Avatar
September 16, 2017 at 4:38 PM
A very intriguing write. Filed my mind.
Dillenbeck Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 2:11 PM
Thx for visiting my mirror and I enjoyed this cameo peak into one of yours. Gerald Oliver
Shetley Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 2:16 PM
thank you so much for seeking me out and commenting. this is one of my favorites.
Rigoler Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 1:44 PM
BTW, my poem about the man dead in his room for several days is based on a true experience. I wouldn't call it morbid at all, rather another reality of life. / M
Shetley Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 2:13 PM
funny how we read poetry through our own filters, not always getting out of the piece what the writer intends. it is the beauty of the craft.
Rigoler Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 1:42 PM
I like this one, Thvia. We're all imposters in one way or another. Mirrors, whether male or female, are our worst enemies. I wrote a poem about mirrors many years ago. I should post it. The last stanza is my favorite. Many thanks for stopping by and being so generous with your comments. Best to you in all your writing endeavors. / M
Shetley Avatar
September 11, 2017 at 2:11 PM
please do post it, I would love to read through. thank you for taking the time to comment.
Johnson Avatar
April 21, 2015 at 10:23 PM
The enemy within, must have been born in sin. Our sanity, humanity and grace sometime's can't win. We do our best to live in jest, but then it's just not funny. We just digest and then divest with very little money. Keep your chin up or you'll run into a wall. :)
A   Avatar
December 11, 2013 at 1:30 AM
Nice winn Thivia, xoxo...Linda
Mehta Avatar
December 10, 2013 at 9:39 PM
Congrats on the win, Thvia
Dietrich Avatar
December 10, 2013 at 3:50 PM
this is such a cool poem. Awesome in fact, and congrats to you. I seldom get to see you any more,Thvia. HOpe you are doing ok.
Andresen Avatar
December 10, 2013 at 11:45 AM
- Congratulations on your winning poem in: "Put Your Best Rhyme Forward" contest: Sponsored by: Just That Archaic Poet - Nice to take part - a pleasure to read yours Thvia - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Breidenthal Avatar
August 30, 2013 at 8:32 PM
Great poem! Love the creativity and the depth in which you write. Fine mind you have! I'll have to come visit again! Always, Laura
The Gypsy King Avatar
March 2, 2013 at 6:23 AM
Excellent Thanks for sharing
Kovacs Avatar
January 20, 2013 at 11:59 AM
I love this poem. It is witty and touches on what all women face. Well done.
Maverick Avatar
January 19, 2013 at 4:52 AM
Well Thvia; a very reflective write one May say.." L O L)) enjoyed the turn of Thought and phrases here..!
Shetley Avatar
January 21, 2013 at 1:33 AM
you punster you!
Carrillo Avatar
January 18, 2013 at 3:14 PM
This is one hack of a poem. This poem shows your talent for writing. Thanks for sharing this with us. Lucilla
Williams Avatar
January 17, 2013 at 11:08 AM
Ah Thvia age comes to all of us but as long as your writing does not deteriorate you will be fine, excellent piece of work very well crafted....David
Lamoureux Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 2:13 PM
You my dear are exceptional, loved it loved it loved it. Going straight to my favorites. I am amazed I have not read your work till now. I will definately spend more time here.
O'Leary Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Is it an imposter or a stalker... relentlessly clinging like an anchor... pulling down, down, down... until you both cease... together and forever... Terry (exquisite poem... glad I've discovered you)
O'Leary Avatar
January 17, 2013 at 6:54 PM
Thvia... I'm flattered, delighted... Terry
Shetley Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 6:44 PM
Terry, Terry, Terry. I have shared your poetry far and wide within my social media circles. I hope you don't mind. I love it that much.
Kendrick Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 8:54 AM
Enjoyed reading this humorous work..I got some good chuckles this morn..Yes, as we get older that person in the mirror is the same that is within..Sara
Horsman Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 7:40 AM
bloody hell i've just seen you,, it is nearly 3 years since your wonderful poetry graced this site... and wow what a poem to return with... yes age and time, you construct so well in your poem,,, but your image to me comes through your poetry Thvia, and your wonderful words are timeless and ageless, and more inportantly you give a lot of pleasure to your reader...and that is priceless!!!!!
Shetley Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 8:18 AM
your comment is more meaningful to me than you know Harry. Thank you for your kindness and thoughtful words.
Night Avatar
January 11, 2013 at 10:49 PM
yes we all do age nice poem
Ryerson Avatar
January 11, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Thvia - Thank you for your blog and for this fine and insightful poem...I have been on the Soup for around four years and somehow managed to miss you...Welcome back and I am glad that your health is improving - Tim
Shetley Avatar
January 16, 2013 at 6:45 PM
Likewise Tim, so glad to get acquainted with you and your work!
Scott Avatar
January 11, 2013 at 11:41 AM
I THINK YOURS IS BETTER WROTE THAN MINE LOVE THE METAPHORS FOR ME ITS NOT ABOUT AGING ITS SOMETHING iVE DOUBT WILL SINSE MY TEEN YEARS BUT HAY NICE TO KNOW OTHERS CAN RELATE THYANKS FOR COMMENT MATE XXX DAVIDSCOTT
Cooper Avatar
January 11, 2013 at 7:20 AM
awesome pen
Roberts Avatar
January 11, 2013 at 12:27 AM
that was wonderful, glad I read the blog first to know where you were coming from in this piece, welcome home
Dietrich Avatar
January 10, 2013 at 6:55 PM
gosh , thvia. I can't believe it's you after how much time has gone by??? I hope it's not that imposter I am talking to!! this was full of wit and cleverness. I really enjoyed it. So good to see you back. Just look at the date of your last poem before this one. I think it said 2010?? Please show more poems!
Shetley Avatar
January 10, 2013 at 7:19 PM
thank you andrea, yes i've been stuck for just over two years, this is the first thing i've been able to write. it's great to have my voice back and to be back here on the soup. There will definitely be more poetry forthcoming!
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