Dark Mirror

Self Reflection

Dark Mirror

I am but the dead image of my mother;

my father a mere shadow

whose traits lie buried

deep in the veins of me

that rail against injustice.

Those spectres rule me,

make me both a poet

and an angry man

ready to explode

at the merest slight.

They dictated my future

and they wrote my obituary

long before I was born

upon this sorry Earth.

And much as I tried,

oh I tried,

to break free from

that orbit of destiny,

I failed.

 

09/03/17

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

I had a great rapport with my mom up till the time of her death, and my father died when I was six, so its really hard for me to imagine someone's life could be like this. But I did have a step-father that I couldn't seem to measure up to, and I continued wanting to make him proud of me. Like you, I believe I failed, for there was no acknowledgement that I did otherwise.

Great title, great emotion with a little angst between the lines...if only they could read you now!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I guess we are all the sum of the parts. It is what makes us but at times we use iot as an excuse I think. Many thanks Kelly. Always.

[FlatLineBeauty]

This shook me to my core in a way that I can relate that is my own. Right now I am in the process in life of breaking free.... I love it. This is truly so beautiful.

Xo Karma

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You will make it. Many thanks SK

[Mary]

When I was in my 40's, I remember looking in the mirror and crying "I have become my mother And my father's blood, passion, runs through my veins!" I was angry, tried to fight it until I realized that although I was like them, I was not them. And the part that was like them I really liked. You have written a wonderful poem about self discovery. I hope your discovery was as good as mine was. As your poem ends with the words "I failed," so I failed as well, but in a really good way.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Mary for sharing such a moment. Mine thankfully was more poetic than real.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow, do i feel this one...i loved my parents deeply, but i spent most of my life fighting to be different...i guess because i was different---sometimes i wondered if i was actually their child at all...my artistic side was so often put down, disregarded as a mere hobby...

we have to fight some times...even as we love and respect.

j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed Jacob. We are who we are though. Many thanks.

[B]

One can argue this idea out
are we fighting destiny
are we in control of our past
Can we redo the internal make up
Can we out do what was done

an existential piece

bravo

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you SS.

[emmajoy]

A strong, finely voiced poem but - with such a tragic heart.

Sad though it is, we are who and what we are. 'Can but soften our flaws or strengthen our dull qualities in our own time, with our own strategies.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed; we are complex creatures. many thanks Emmajoy.

[LapseOfMind]

Nicely done, what more can I say?

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Many thanks

[Melody]

very good, Well written, deep,and over all really good

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you.

[ReedWrite]

Very nice! Another deep and intriguing piece. I loved this line: make me both a poet/and an angry man.
What we are...what we become...what we pass on to future generations, is far more than genetics. It's an attitude...a mindset...a philosophy that shapes our lives...and sometimes, a belief in an unchangeable destiny. Nicely done.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

You are of course right RW. Many thanks.

[MsJewel]

We do inherit many traits from our parents - good and bad. The positive thing is that I do believe we have the power to change if we truly want to or need to. Your words are powerful and well written. It is always a pleasure to read great poetry. :) Julie

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Julie for your comments and such kindness.

[MsJewel]

My pleasure