the woman in the mirror

dame coloree artmajeur gallery

you followed a fractured road map

to find me

then, after reading the pages of my soul

you did not turn away

instead you led me to a place

i thought i would never see

a place where acceptance

is freely given

a place where being strong

was not a bad thing

never asking for collateral

you were generous

sharing yourself with me

when I was loud

you knew to speak softly

when I was seeing only dark

you gave me multi-colored love

i allowed you to throw away

my many masks

because you showed me

how to finally appreciate

the woman in the mirror

Reviews

[Zoe Richardson]

Well. I must say...you are one of the rare few who didn't have the rug pulled out from under them after receiving all those precious gifts. Self-acceptance is hard, as is dealing with the darkness. You expressed your appreciation so well. I am deeply envious!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Zoe. I am sorry your experience was a negative one. Lydi**

[Desert Knave]

"... when I was seeing only dark you gave me multi-colored love" ... I have only had this happen twice in my life (and one time I managed to see it in the moment). A very good write. ~Jim

[Lydia Shutter]

I wish you many more of those moments in 2024, Jim. Thanks for the review. Lydi**

[Cassie]

I dont know why I felt like tearing up reading this, its so so relatable. Thank you for sharing your wonderful poetry with us

[Lydia Shutter]

I believe a lot of us, no matter where we are from or what our backgrounds are have similar experiences. Thank you once again, Cassie. I was out of town. Sorry for the delayed thanks. Lydi**

[Dave Brown]

if indeed that represents the woman in the mirror, there seems no reason for remorse.
On the other hand, when I see the man in the mirror, well, perhaps I shouldn't reflect on that!!
This is yet another piece of quality writing which is complimented by a well selected image.
Lydia

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Dave. Lydi**

[Tom]

Intriguing reflective, poetic psychobiography, yep, our personal insecureties, raw, self doubting but with loving fullfifillment, hey presto, that women in the mirror is finally complete .....

" because you showed me
how to finally appreciate
the woman in the mirror"

Inspiring

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you for "getting" this one, Tom. I always appreciate your reviews. Lydi***

[Ken e Bujold]

You followed a fractured road map/to find me ... life, desire, fate. as wickedly good an opening line as any i've read, and i've read many in my life em (fictional and real). read this gem several times. so much here. love and desire, self discovery, hope, weary and nostalgic, it's all on the buffet table for any reader who wants to dive into the banquet. Bravo

ken

[Lydia Shutter]

My goodness, Ken....thank you so much for this lovely review. I am pleased you liked my words. Lydi**

[emmajoygreen]

Lydi, your words, your thoughts, your emotions held the pen that wrote this with so much thankfulness and and it shows, dear spirit, it shoes.
There are quotes galore to represent how you felt when you created this bliss but the one that shed a tear,

'- instead you led me to a place
i thought i would never see
a place where acceptance
is freely given
a place where being strong
was not a bad thing'

There is strength in never deviating from the Who one is when.. being made to feel peripheral, etc.
Love tries without plan or thought,, to accept flaws, then, listen and thinks outside the fog. You write so passionately,logically, each word laid with honest reflection. Bravo, dear friend, bravo!

[Lydia Shutter]

Emma, you made my morning sunshiny! Thank you so much for this lovely review. I hope your weekend is exactly as you want it to be! Nice new pic....is this you mysterious lady? Lydi**

[emmajoygreen]

The words and picture are mine on a somewhat better day than today, Lydi! Past diving buddy, a pro took the pic, The words came from memory. Enjoy your weekend, find big smiles and gentle peace 'longside, :)

[Lydia Shutter]

What a gorgeous photo of a woman who is beautiful inside and out!

[emmajoygreen]

Smiling: my bribe arrived I guess! Hugs. dear friend.

[Lydia Shutter]

You are too much, Emma. Enjoy the compliment.

[emmajoygreen]

Promise, I do.. thank you so much, Lydi x

[Lydia Shutter]

(((((((((((((Emma)))))))))))))))))))) :)

[Ken Simm.]

This is chock full of such perfect lines as 'reading the pages of my soul. That is so, like the rest of them ,evocative of the whole. A wonderful write.

[Lydia Shutter]

I so appreciate your reviews, Ken. Thank you. Lydi**

[Ken Simm.]

You are more than welcome Lydi.

[Miss Sharon]

(a place where being strong was not a bad thing) Indeed! No more wimpy women standing in the shadow of a man. Love this write Lydi. ~Sharon

[Lydia Shutter]

You know it, Sharon! Thanks so much for the review. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

damn, this is good, Lydi.
and what an opening line..."fractured road map"---
when we just don't like any self we own and someone shows us that
we are worth it even when we think not...it is a blessing.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

When you quote a line from my poem, I know you really liked it. Thanks Jacob! Lydi**