Reflections of the self

"Reflections of the self"

In the stillness of the night

I look upon the mirror's sight

And gaze upon the face I see

Is it truly just a reflection of me?

I see the lines etched deep with age

And wonder at the life they've played

A story written on the skin

Of all the joys and all the sin.

But as I look more closely still

I see beyond the flesh and will

And there, beneath the surface deep

I find the secrets I must keep.

For in the eyes that stare back at me

I see my hopes and fears set free

My doubts and dreams all laid bare

In this reflection, truth is there.

I see the strength and will to fight

And all the battles I've denied

The love that's grown and thrived within

And all the love I'll find again.

So as I gaze upon this face

I realize it's not a race

To be the perfect, unmarred me

But to be the best version, truly.

This reflection is not an end

But a beginning, a new trend

To look beyond the flesh and bone

And find the person I've grown.