Hall Of Mirrors Poem by K.N. Sheldon

I looked all around, and what did I see?
Myself from every direction.
But on one of the walls, something was changed;
I could see the reflection of a long-lost friend.
I missed her long hair and childish humor,
her abashed and strange ways.
It's been such a time since our eyes had met,
and I studied her pale, tiny face.
She had been so close to my heart, so important years ago.
Now I don't even recall her name.
She was a better friend than I, so kind and believing,
whilst I am so doubtful and rude.
While I watched how she glared, I knew she saw change.
I knew how terrified she was of me.
'Is that what's in store? ' my former self asked.
'If so, please tell me I'm rich.'
'I've not a penny to my name.' I replied, so confused.
She giggled at that, patronizing and amused.
'Not dollars, but friends. Not cents, but love.'
I felt my mind open.
A ripping, antagonizing, and beautiful sensation. 
The feeling one gets when the secrets of the world are revealed.
I knew what she meant.
I thought for a while, then knew what to say.
'I love many people, and I love them so.'
'And do they love you? ' she inquired.
'If they do, they shouldn't.' ashamed as I was.
She smiled, so sweet and loving,
just as I remembered her.
'But they still do.'