Nasty Mirror Poem by Gregory Huyette

I look in the mirror and who do I see…
A strange old man glowering at me.
His forehead has crashed and mustache faded;
It can’t be me. My mind must be jaded.

This nasty mirror depicts sad, faltering eyes.
Now I know it’s telling me balled-faced lies.
It portrays the mouth with a sliver of lips.
The facade of a countenance it shatters and rips.

Well maudlin mirror I’ll have you know
That ‘neath this wretched casement ready to go
There’s a sharp mind and a white hot heart
Recounting countless memories from the start.

As a young lad I was eager to learn.
Then as a teen first love made my heart burn.
In my late twenties I exchanged vows
And started a family with the usual roughs.

My thirties raced as the kids grew even faster.
School, sports and music they attempted to master.
As my forties proceeded they struck out on their own,
Leaving us two to renew our love alone.

Little feet appeared with the cherished grandparent’s role.
Though the cascading fifties started eliciting a toll.
Health became an issue as bad habits of youth were paid.
The sixties is when pain and suffering stayed.

Now I’m an old man as evidenced by the cruel mirror.
Yesterday I was young and now the end seems so much nearer.
But rather than lament the fact that I soon may be dead,
I’ll smile at the mirror and plan for the fun I know is ahead.