What Do You See? Poem by David Whalen

When I look in the mirror
I see mostly memories
I see people and things
That have long ceased to be

When I look in the mirror
I see standing behind me
Ol’ friends and ol’ loves
And lives not meant to be

I see opportunities missed
Other lives, that passed me by
Other lips I could have kissed
And I have yet to wonder why

I see the hand of fate
Lifting from my shoulder
My volition’s weight
As I grow older

When I look into the mirror
And see what could have been
I see that, which might have been dearer
Yet twill ne’er be proferred again

Don’t look deeply into your mirror
As I do, at paths not taken
Don’t look at things not meant to be
Nor see the things forsaken