'The Real Me' vs 'The Real Him'

  I look in the mirror and what do I see
    an overripe version of the ‘real me’

  A little less hair than before
    let’s just say, the Vietnam War

  A little more flesh, especially ‘round the neck
    two chins instead of one when I inspect

  Wrinkles around and crow feet at the edges
    of my eyes, no longer alarm or surprise

  Facial hairs sprouting at such a rapid rate
    I grow a full beard on a dinner date...    

  Yet if in that mirror were another
    ~ I'd be glad I didn't share his fate
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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

Elliott Avatar
May 30, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Hi Gershon, oh yes, as we age we notice our changing appearance. I'm wrinkled like a SharPei, (not sure if the spelling is right). I saw photos of myself from my teen years, time marches on all of us, best to embrace it and rejoice for the privilege of God's grace letting us live this long. Shabbat Shalom my friend
Theraven Avatar
May 28, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Hmmm, bit of a head scratcher. Like a scene out of the Twilight Zone; quite a paradox. -Richard
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