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

[Lydia Shutter]

I believe you and I are sharing the same mirror, Joyce! Since "flaws not easily camouflaged except by smiles and laughter" is the case, laughter must be the order of the day. Hey, we earned those "Bette Davis eyes" and silver in our hair. Embracing it, as you have in this poem, is the way to go. In poetry, we all can be what we were or what we THOUGHT we were back in the day! I enjoyed this one so much. Lydi**

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Lydi. My mother had Bette Davis eyes and I do, too - and I've always had them, not a new thing. Poetry is a fountain of youth - it keeps you thinking and smiling. Things that make anyone much more attractive. Smile on, Lydi!. :)

[OTownPete]

Joyce, there are many of us who don't recognize the reflection in the mirror anymore but we hold on to our essence through our words written down for posterity. So many of your humorous writes are downright uplifting that they make this journey just a little easier to navigate. Thanks for that. Your friend in words, Pete

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Pete. And friends like you are very uplifting, too. I really appreciate your leaving such encouraging thoughts behind. Have a very happy Sunday! :)

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

That was beautiful and so sincere... wonderful job!

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, PR. Your review makes me smile. Have a very nice Sunday and keep smiling! :)

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

I'm flattered they have such an affect on you, and I hope you continue to smile as well.

[Pryde Foltz]

Great thoughtful write, Joyce. One of the most women I have seen was an elderly lady, I meaning truly stunning. Once the bloom of youth leaves I truly believe those lines of age illustrate what's in your soul and shine behind the eyes confirms. Beauty has no age.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks for your encouraging review, Pryde. Sometimes I think a face lift would be great but then I see what one did for Mary Tyler Moore and decide it's better to leave well enough alone. Beauty of the soul really does shine through. Keep smiling! :)

[Pryde Foltz]

A face lift would hurt like hell.

[Rita L. Sev]

Writing poems will keep you younger than anything Cover Girl ever sold! A great piece of introspection here, Joyce

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Rita. You're so right about writing, Rita. I didn't start writing until I was sixty and it gave me a new lease on life. Hope your Sunday is a good one. Smile on! :)

[Frieda P]

So relatable, funny thing is we took the last decade for granted, you always think you're going to look like you did when you're twenty, I'm pretty sure in the next ten years, we'll wish we look as we do today...love Bette Davis eyes, good one Joyce.

[Joyce S. Greene]

My mother had her eyes and so do I. You're right about always thinking you wish you looked like you did ten years ago, but the first time you see that you look old is a shocker! To make myself feel better, I always think of the alternative, which is so very much worse. A smile is always a girl's best friend, so smile on! :)

[wordwarrior]

Oh YES Joyce I can SO relate to this. I have found myself doing this more and more as I reach 61 in a few days! Nope the Cover Girl(or it's equivalent) isn't working for me any more either!
Love, love, love your last verse! it comes out as a complete contrast to the rest of the poem, that is a wry look at the aging process.
The last verse made me smile with it's positivity.
Wonderful!

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks for your very kind words. Smiles and laughter do wonders for your peace of mind and your appearance. Everyone looks younger and better with a smile on his or her face! Smile on! :)

[Chris]

Irony, satire, whim ...diversion, derision... sometimes nothing will draw the sting out.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Growing older is a stinging experiene, Chris, but I find smiles and laughter help in diverting your attention and giving you a more pleasant perspective on life. And a big smile certainly makes anyone look a lot younger and much more attractive. Smile on!

[Joyce S. Greene]

And thanks for reading my words and leaving your thoughts behind. Happy Sunday!

[Tom]

The acceptance of growing older is the key here and you've nailed perfectly, it happens to us all, even me!

A comforting and edifying read, splendid once more Joyce !

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Tom. I really appreciate your very nice words. They have brought me "sunshine on a cloudy day." Your poetry and reviews are always so charming.

[rutherford]

The last stanza delivers a wonderful understanding--the sophistication of knowing how to be happy. Melancholy to subtle strength. Well done.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Rutherford, for your very thoughtful review. Discovering that I could write poetry when I turned sixty was such a wonderful gift. It's given me a whole new perspective on life along with many smiles and much laughter.