The Mirror Lies

habit writ' in flesh

THE MIRROR LIES

Photo by zero take on Unsplash

Could it be the mirror lies
Making you old before your time
Distorted reflections haunt your thoughts
You embrace the myth of wrinkles and lines.

We expect to see what we believe
The color faded from our cheeks
Thin lips mask imperfect teeth
Eyes occluded by bird’s feet.

The finely sculpted features fall
While bones intrude upon the shape,
What once was soft, round and firm
Becomes hollow with furrows deep.

Inspection with a looking glass
Magnifies each fatal flaw
The youthful spirit breaks the mold
With laughter coming from within.

The personality persists
Expressions animate to reveal
When the unique soul untouched by age
Takes on a mischievous playful role.

Reactions spread enchanting space
Emotions dance, the heart unfolds
Honoring friends and lovers rare
Held so dear, kept so long.

The years gone by slip away
The present inhabits every smile
Senescence fades replaced by growth
Adapting to the world anew.

The mirror doesn’t hold the truth
It captures habit writ’ in flesh
Enacted over a thousand times
The beauty radiates from you.
© 2026 Stephanie M. Vargo