The Old Man In the Mirror

The Old Man In The Mirror

Who is that old man who looks at me in the morning?
When I shave and shower he is there living in a pane of glass
Grey hairs replacing the dark walnut brown
More and more each day, each hour
Eyes looking tired from ages of struggles
Each reflecting a soul which was once so full of life
Now it lays stagnant and lost
It has the memories of its youth
Doing this that that man can only now remember
Wrinkles took so long to show
Even fooling that old man into thinking he was younger than he is
Every grey hair, every wrinkle has been earned
They are the wages of stress, pain and anxiety of aging
Some called them badges of honor
I look in the mirror and see that old man looking back at me
I don’t see honor, pain, stress or anxiety
That old man looking back at me has lived a full life
Successes and mistakes of the past are reflected in the mirror
Lost loves and loves found are hidden in his spirit
I look at the old man in the mirror 
I look at the grey hair and the sad eyes
I see each and every wrinkle
I look at the old man in the mirror and I see life
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Squyres Avatar
December 30, 2011 at 7:57 AM
You captured the essense in the last line. Life !!! Enjoyable poem I can relate too. I often talk to the Old Woman trapped in the mirror. She looks so much like my mom..or should I say I do lol It's a gentle reminder of her memories.... Enjoyed !!
Givein Avatar
December 14, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Wonderfully writen! Keep up the good work :)
Treetop Avatar
December 5, 2011 at 5:19 AM
Through the eyes of such a beautiful poet that man in the mirror is always worth looking at with with respect and joy. Thanks Rob excellent poem! Lizzie
Chafer Avatar
December 5, 2011 at 1:45 AM
Very nice! I love how you put your poem together. :D Keep up the good work! ~Amber
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace