THE WOMAN IN THE MIRROR

...in the eye of the beholder

The mirror reveals the truth
The little girl in the reflection is no longer there
In her place is a woman of mature years
Beautiful but unrecognizable to herself Through her eyes there are only flaws and imperfections
Strands of gray hair
Wrinkles around the eyes
Loose neck skin
Sagging breasts
Extra weight below the waist
From her point of view, she is looking at the person she loved the most twenty years ago
Throughout her years in the past, she unknowingly followed her mother's same footsteps that led her to this exact point in her life

" Who will ever want me like this?"

Unexpectedly, a man's arms wrap around her waist
Slowly and tenderly he kisses her neck
She relaxes in his embrace
Each touch each kiss is familiar
He whispers in her ear
The words make her smile

She feels wanted... she feels loved...

Author's Note

If you're not strong enough to love yourself let someone be strong enough for you

Reviews

[Ivory]

So honest.. I loved reading the truth you have written. Excellent write.

[Dave]

So true on so many levels. If women only really knew how the one
who loves them really sees them. I've been with the one I love for
60 years. I can still picture her the way she was the first time we met.
Love will do that for you.

Take care - Dave

[h d e rushin]

what part of us pretends that reflections are the truest representation of ourselves? Our egoism? Our hubris?
the desire to crawl backwards into a younger space that devoured our youth? I agree (as you perhaps) that the poem is eternal and that all of us hold the poem as effigy to getting older. On Instagram you can blossom your cheeks, add bunny ears and gloss your eyelids with youthful shimmer.( Selfies are so harmful to the psyche )/ You have to find love in yourself before you can find anything like love in someone else...
great poem/ dana

[Emma]

This is truly uplifting. I feel that it is such a complete thought and message, as highlighting the issues with how we view ourselves is only halve of it, you then need to allow yourself to accept the love from another. We should never doubt other people, and chose our perception.
Also strongly sensed you were showing the negative emotional impact of looking to the past rather than enjoying the present.
Brilliant poem, beautiful image.

[rosalie]

This was a much-needed reminder. very well done. In your author's note, you reminded me of how there are others.

[Hannah]

Very beautiful message. We are so hard on ourselves, only seeing what's wrong instead of all the great things about ourselves. We all have moments of weakness when we need someone who sees us for who we really are.

[sette]

this is really a sweet poem that love knows no age no boundaries and even time. no matter what phase in life there is nothing more important than to have someone to share with.

[Mrudula Rani]

You are writing illustrates not just love but a loving relationship that matured with time! And your note that accompanied your poem is wonderful !

[Cherrie Palmer]

the clock of time stops for no one. But what's amazing is in the eye of the beholder true love never fades but is always in full bloom.
What an warm expression of love this is.