The Mirror Poem by Jim Yerman

When I look into the mirror I’m appalled at what I see
I do not recognize that person who is looking back at me.

I know I’m better looking, you can be assured of that.
I wonder, then, who this is, who I am looking at?

I know I look much younger and I certainly have more hair
So I can’t possibly be that person looking at me over there.

And in this crazy mirror all my muscles look so small
Now I’m certain that person over there cannot be me at all.

Look at all the lines on him and his cheeks are much too packed
It’s hard to say…I’m not quite sure…but I think this mirror’s cracked?

Is this a fun house mirror? Am I wearing a Halloween wig?
Or could it be a magnifying glass ‘cause my ears can’t be that big.

No…wait! On further observation looking over and over again
I see the person looking out is the same one looking in.

I’ve heard it said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder
But it’s only in the mirror I realize I’ve grown older.

Most of the time I feel younger, like when I was 20 or 32
And I think inside my head I should look much younger too.

I do not wish for a mirror that will disguise, obscure or conceal
But I’d like one that shows how old I am and how young I feel.

Then when I look into the mirror I would be happy with what I see
For it would be easier to recognize the person looking back at me.