Introspection at Dawn

The woman I find in the mirror at dawn . . .

 

 

 

At dawn I search

for the pretty woman

once reflected brightly

in my mirror

and find only a tired blond,

not the me I remember

 

Vainly hoping

that yesterday's travels led me

home by way of Shangri-la

I stare at myself and see

another day’s wrinkles

staring back at me

 

And Bette Davis eyes

underscored by worry

and insomnia

peering from the mirror

with an odd mixture

of innocence and savvy

 

Sighing, I apply

layers of Cover Girl

without success

to puckered lips and sagging chin,

flaws not easily camouflaged

except by smiles and laughter

 

So I write poems

conceived deep in my heart

capturing those moments

that make me smile inside,

and frequently I write

just for the laughter

Author's Note

Graphic credit: Google Images

This picture is not me, though the poem certainly is.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A beautiful poem. I like the thoughts and the journey you took me with. Old age teaches us. We must accept the gray and remember the good day that are behind us. I like the closing lines.Thank you for sharing the excellent poem.
Coyote

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Coyote. I wrote it for a contest and found it revealed things to me about myself that I hadn't realized before. Writing poetry is really a journey into self discovery - I didn't start writing until about 5 years ago. Way too late! I really appreciate your reading my poem and leaving such a great review.

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the poem. You are a good writer. I hope to read more.

[Misery]

Excellent. Your poem captures the quietness of dawn, and your somber introspection on youth's impatient departure, it also reveals your method of coping with "le grand voyage" into wiser years.
Thank you for sharing this precious and intimate moment, dear poet.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you for your lovely comment. I really appreciate your taking the time to read my poem and leave your thoughts behind. It means a lot to me.

[Angi]

Joyce, I am so happy I could place you in my contest. I loved the little snippets of you in this piece. Your words show me a beautiful lady, inside and out! Angi~

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you so much for awarding my poem with the Bronze Medal, Angi! It means a lot to me. All the entries were wonderful, and I understand how hard it must have been for you to choose only three.

[Mark Heathcote]

A fine introspective write done with humour I enjoyed. :)

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Mark, for dropping by to leave such a nice comment behind. Keep smiling!

[Mark Heathcote]

I’ll try… ;-)

[asdarkeyesclose]

'with an odd mixture
of innocence and savvy'

i intend to grow old gracefully. i'm still enjoying how much younger i look since i gave up smoking but even women as beautiful as Sophia Loren lose their looks eventually, it is inevitable. i don't really notice aging in my husband unless i think about it and we have been together for 20 years. i think it all happens so slowly that you hardly notice, little barely perceptible steps. I liked the reflective quality of your poem and the passion for life. fantastic.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Dawn. You have made me smile with your very wise and nice comment. Hope you are doing well - haven't seen you around much lately.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

So I write poems
concieved deep in my heart
capturing those moments
that make me smile inside,
and frequently I write
just for the laughter -- this closing stanza was magic...what a way to bring the entire idea of this piece full circle.

Often times, I look into the mirror and occasionally I don't recognize myself. It's a strange, disconnected feeling. Though I'm only 32, I still notice things that weren't there when I was 25...and not just physical things, but feelings reflected through my own eyes. It is a strange things, this growing and changing. Writing is one of the only things that keeps my feet on the ground, I think. Well written and well thought out.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Sarah. Your words have made this early morning wake-up much brighter. Keep smiling, you are young and very talented!

[Jeanette Taal]

I just think this is lovely and very true makes me smile,

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Jeanette. I appreciate your taking the time to read my poem and leave behind such a nice comment. Keep smiling!

[Sami Khalil]

Your beauty shines from the pages and your brilliance is reflected from within. A splendid read and write...:)

[Joyce S. Greene]

What lovely things to say, Sami. I really appreciate your very nice words. Have a very nice evening.

[Sami Khalil]

You too...You are welcome...:)

[SyberRose]

I love this Joyce dear...wow Betty Davis eyes...as long as we are healthy thats the important thing...thats all that matters...im thankful for my health everyday...enjoyed ...Rose:)

[Joyce S. Greene]

How true that is, Rose. Good health, especially as you grow older, is a gift from God. Thanks so much for your insightful review. I enjoyed it very much.