Mirror Image Poem by Patricia Denise Newman

I looked into the mirror and what do you think I saw
an old and crinkly woman I'd never seen before
I shut my eyes so tightly and counted out to three
but when I opened them she was still staring back at me

It's so very disconcerting to see that wrinkled face
when in my mind I still recall a young girl in that place
Time certainly does not forgive, nor show some sympathy
I can't believe that careworn face is truly the new me

What ever can have happened throughout the passing years
there written, very clearly, are all my hopes and fears
I looked a little deeper into the still blue eyes
and see beyond the vision the life I can't disguise

It's been a long, long journey to write such history
the past, its various joys and cares, have happened all to me
The mirror cannot tell a lie and so I must concede
the image that is there displayed is truly me, indeed.