Mirror, Mirror Poem by John A'Hern

Morning arrives, out of bed, coffee beckons,
Pass the hallway mirror, reflection directions.

Stop dead in tracks, return to check the vision
Looking weary despite night's invasion.

Closer inspection of this vision,
Hair receding but not stopped intrusion
Out of nose and ears, a forest is flourishing.

Need a shave without question,
Vision seems to say you have permission.

Now I realise there are two voices,
Mine I recognise, other not so sure.

Younger man's voice still no recognition
When you signed up for this adventure
Did you think there would be no questions?

While I thought about an answer,
Questions flowed from the asker.

Look around, no one watching,
Decide to join in this session.

When I choose to talk to myself,
Questions are usually answered
With the sense, that makes me happy.

This face to face has now turned ugly
Poking fun will make me angry.

Now the vision is of a younger man,
What is going on?
I stand in awe at the happening,
Laughter comes from the younger man,
I now stand and listen.

Life's lessons are being given,
Mirror becomes mist covered,
I lean forward and begin to rub.

I freeze and look at two new visions
Mam and Dad stand before me.

A voice whispers in my ear
Ask the questions you did not before?

Could not speak or see for tears
Awoke in bed, it was just a nightmare.

Lay there with the scenes fresh in my head
Up I get and head for the kitchen.

Pass the hallway mirror without a glance,
Return to mirror coffee in hand
No vision to see, not even me.