Illusion

I am sure it was a looking glass,
But then I gazed straight through
Instead of my reflection,
What I saw instead was you

It seemed quite odd,
You resembled me
Sort of uncanny, I would say
But it wasn’t me at all, I fear,
I don’t yet look this way

You were older than I’ve ever been,
Your eyes told stories long
Your hair more gray than golden brown,
Your skin no longer shone

Lines of happy, some of sad
Of laughter, and of tears
Were deeper than those on my face,
With last reflection I saw clear

Could it be that I am you
That this mirror does not lie?
Could it be I’m looking at
Lifes years, my days gone by?

Alas! I understand it now!
This vision, it is me!
My youthful heart’s reflection,
In this mirror can’t be seen

Just the shell that carries me,
That’s aged so with the time
Inside my heart my years are young,
Your illusion tricked my mind

Portray as you will,
As you see me
My eyes will play along

But place a mirror inside my shell,
And I’ll prove that you are wrong

8 comments on “Illusion”

Great poetry. I think a lot feel that way.

Brilliant self-reflection . . . And yes, you do write for all of us who are now but shadows of the ones we used to be . . .

This poem does resonate strong in the heart. Often my 25 year old mind gets my 60 year old body in deep trouble.

Great voice – I especially enjoyed the last two lines. By the way, your poetry is a reflection of the mirror inside 🙂