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Self Portrait Contest--The Broken Mirror

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My mirror is broken, or at least it seems to be, for today I discovered an old woman staring back at me. She had hair of gray, and there were wrinkles around her eyes, and her face I no longer recognized. I waved. I rubbed the mirror with my sleeve. No matter what I tried, she simply wouldn't leave. This can't be me, I thought. I am much more svelte. Now just look at the way my stomach pooches out. I also thought it was quite strange. The hair atop her head was thin; what exactly brought about this change? Who was this imposter, and what is she doing there, this woman of age with thinning silver hair? Why, oh why, is my mirror doing this to me having this old woman staring back at me?

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Paige Hind

Date: 1/12/2024 1:46:00 PM

I am sure you're still lovely...I know this is sopposed to be humurous, but you have a lovely spirit... :)

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/12/2024 5:12:00 PM

awww, you're most kind, Paige. You made my evening! :-) thanks for the visit and thoughtful comments. Have a splendid evening, Sara

Bill Baker

Date: 1/11/2024 5:26:00 PM

Doesn't sound like you're looking at my Sara, but then they say Love is blinding. Nice entry for the contest, Sara, good luck! A poet friend down the hall, Bill

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/11/2024 5:28:00 PM

awwww....now you've gone and made me feel special! Du bist sehr suss! thanks for your well wishes, eastside poet friend

Silent One

Date: 1/11/2024 11:39:00 AM

So many will relate to your poem, I have a few poems like this about reflection of a mirror... yours has been done so well..

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/11/2024 3:34:00 PM

thank you, Silent One, for your gracious comments. I'm glad you perceive my poem will be relatable. Have a splendid evening, Sara

Sotto Poet

Date: 1/11/2024 11:02:00 AM

Your vivid imagery describes the physical changes that come with aging, such as gray hair, wrinkles, and thinning hair, dear Sara. The word choice evokes a sense of surprise and discomfort, as you grapple with the unfamiliar image in the mirror. The use of rhetorical questions also conveys confusion and distress. The vivid descriptions of the old woman's appearance create a strong visual image for the reader. Wonderful poem, depicting the imposture of time

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/11/2024 3:37:00 PM

oh, kind Sotta, your comments tell me you deeply understood this poem with its subtle layers with its word choice, the unfamiliar image, and the rhetorical questions. I'm sincerely grateful for your heartfelt comments. Wishing you a pleasant evening, your poetess friend in Texas, Sara

Jay Narain

Date: 1/11/2024 9:34:00 AM

Mirror has been true reflection of one self, although unbelievable at times and age. That's why I don't look in the mirror, I would not recognize myself. Nicely penned.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/11/2024 3:38:00 PM

I appreciate your comment, Jay. Maybe I should follow your advice and not look in the mirror...a delightful strategy. Thanks for stopping by and for commenting. Have a pleasant evening, Sara

Ink Empress

Date: 1/11/2024 3:19:00 AM

I dunno why this made me tear up, especially the opening lines dear sara, i felt it so deeply and you’ve written an excellent and powerful mirror poem that truly is soul hitting. So descriptive and so moving. Especially “ I waved. I rubbed the mirror with my sleeve. No matter what I tried, she simply wouldn't leave.“ your way with writing is just flawless and so original! I love that about your work. You’ve nailed it, and I think many can resonate with your poem. Best wishes for the contest. Fave

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/11/2024 4:02:00 AM

wow, I respect your response to my poem....it began as a light hearted write but then became a little bit deep, and you picked up on that...amazing on your part. Thank you for doing so. I'm humbly grateful for the fave. Wishing you a blessed day, Sara

Yann Rolland

Date: 1/10/2024 4:37:00 PM

wonderful, mirrors are not friends forever, the imposture of time is real, thanks Sara

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/10/2024 4:57:00 PM

thanks, Yann...your comments nailed it. Thanks and enjoy your evening, Sara

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 1/10/2024 4:21:00 PM

Dear Sara, your poem brilliantly captures the introspective journey of self-discovery through the lens of a broken mirror. The vivid depiction of aging and the confusion it brings resonates deeply. Your words artfully convey the universal experience of grappling with one's changing reflection. A poignant exploration of identity and the passage of time! - Blessings, Daniel

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/10/2024 4:57:00 PM

thank you, Daniel, for your in depth read of my introspective but humorous poem. I'm grateful you saw past the light-heartedness...yes, the experience of aging is a universal one. Thanks for your visit and gracious comments. Have a blessed evening, Sara

Joseph May

Date: 1/10/2024 3:31:00 PM

Its quite a shock when that happens, Nicely penned

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/10/2024 3:38:00 PM

thank you, Joseph, for your visit and your complimentary words. have a splendid evening, Sara

Maria Fernandez-Garcia

Date: 1/10/2024 1:52:00 PM

Very clever Rhyme poem. Really enjoyed this one. "Sometimes mirrors distort our bodies" Well done Sara. Hugs

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/10/2024 3:39:00 PM

I appreciate your visit and kind words, Maria. Hope you're well. Have a splendid evening, Sara

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/10/2024 1:23:00 PM

Yes, sometimes it slips up on us, but mostly we know it way before it arrives. We fight it tooth and nail with oils and creams, etc. LOL..Good work. Very creative. Thanks for sharing your talent with us and for dropping by my pages. Sara K

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/10/2024 3:40:00 PM

thank you, Sara B, for sharing your thoughts about aging and for your kind words about my poem. Have a great evening, Sara

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/10/2024 11:52:00 AM

- I know that mirror image ... mirrors was more friendly in the past, Sara :))) - hugs

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/10/2024 3:40:00 PM

I agree...suddenly that shiny reflection is my enemy :-) Have a great evening, Sara

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 1/10/2024 11:32:00 AM

lol I know the feeling dear heart, but I'm also glad I don't have to contend to young issues, alongside old age comes a grace that I can't pass up, love your poem, gl

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 1/10/2024 3:41:00 PM

I appreciate your perspective, Rose....and I agree...beauty is not worth the grace I now have....thanks for your visit and kind words, Sara