Not Judging By Reflections Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Reflections of self in mirrors and windows don't tell or
show who I am, what I think, how I feel, what my opinions
are, what my life is like.

Yet, people passing by see that image, the same one I see
in the mirrors and windows and they judge me.

Putting their stereotypes into action, their likes, dis-
likes, consequently I suffer from their judgment against
me at times.

Thinking to myself though, knowing that I am not the image
that they portray of me, in their minds.

Being a poet, artist, musician, intellectual, a non-con-
formist, a quiet rebel, well loved, being wanted by others
to be their friend once they get to know me.

None of those qualities can be seen in a reflection of a
mirror or window when glancing at me, being sure that is
the case with all people, their own reflections not being
who they really are within.

A lesson to be learned, never judge a person by reflections
of their image in a mirror, don't judge, period.

Just accept everyone for who they are, and our world will be
a better place if we could all remember that and act accord-
ingly.