Who Is That Man In the Mirror
Become a
Premium Member
and post notes and photos about your poem like John Hamilton.
True story happened yesterday.
Who is that man staring back at me in the mirror?
I keep looking and searching, analyzing that mans
reflection, and he keeps doing the same thing.
Who he is is a mystery to me, it's a little unsettling
he looks familiar to me, kind of like, me but older...
Could it really be me?
I see traces of my youthful self, and the man I used to be
hints of hidden blonde hair among the gray and white strands
dark spots and wrinkles on my weak arthritic hands.
Each grey hair is like a mileage marker on the highway of my life
this body is certainly well traveled, the miles have passed quickly,
faster than I anticipated, the end of the road appears on the horizon
and the pace quickens.
Each wrinkle and line around my eyes and mouth are reminders, grave
reminders, reminding me that the grave is only a missed breath away.
Thankfully I see the scar on my chest, which also reminds me that at least
my heart will keep beating by force of electrical impulse if not by nature.
I can't say that this impression of me is new and improved
more like used and abused, but definitely renewed in the spirit,
the man I am within, is who I really am,
not this worn out replica I see looking back at me.
I see traces of the man I used to be, traces of strength and vitality.
Although my strength has escaped me, and left me here trapped in this
fleshly prison of a body, my mind and heart rejoice in anticipation of all
that I'm going to do.
Sadly, this man in the mirror reminds me that it's simply not true!
At least the youthful face that once was filled with anguish and despair
has been replaced by a wiser face, one that understands why
people can be sometimes so cruel, and why life is sometimes challenging
and disappointing.
As I stare at the man who stares back at me, I can see in his eyes a
genuineness, a sincerity, an honesty, and a tranquil peace despite the pain.
I smile an accepting smile, and he smiles back at me, as if to say I like you and how you've turned out, and I say to myself, me too.
John Derek Hamilton
May 06, 2016
Copyright © John Hamilton | Year Posted 2016
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