A beautiful Arena Forum A Mirror

A Mirror

A mirror is not justice to the face,

Allowing still one’s eyes a sober judge,

For in those eyes there rests a tempered grace

That lovers stir who do not hold a grudge.

This grudge we must all harbour to our own

To know that face in all its many warts

While in devotion’s gaze it’s newly shown

And guiltless in the young beholder’s courts.

Who’s closer to the facts I come to doubt

When claims my love to find me painted bold

Upon the glass, and see what I’m about

As I despise myself for growing old;

The bitter truth I treasure in my breast,

My soul on best behaviour for its guest.

Wrote this last night, feedback and questions welcome.