Portrait In The Mirror
The fading face
In the black and white
No longer strikes me
As nostalgic, sentimental
But rather despondent, dispirited
In its silver frame
Fixed beneath
Illumination betraying
Hollow eyes
Emptying into
Manholes of brain
Waste and dregs
Webbed by crow’s feet
Tracking through crevices
Following down-turned
Scowl of mouth
Blushed in gray shadow
And ashen shades…
Self-reflection
It’s time to change
That face in the mirror
Restoration, resurrection
My paintbrush
My finger
Start by raising
The corners
Of the lips
And smoothing
The brow
Then dipping
Into the palette
Of my hearts blood
I paint a blush
Upon my cheeks
And lighten
My eye
I add a twinkle
To my pupil
A highlight
To my dimple
Then I stand back
And smile
Admiring my portrait
Alive with color
Of bright living hue
Better than Mona
I boast a full smile
Out with the old
And in with the new