The Mirror

The mirror skewed
mangled and twisted
darkness and sorrow
reflected back at me
as I disappeared
into a lipid pool
of slowly melting
treacherous imagery

I turned
refusing to accept
recognizing falsehood
disguised as truth
wrapped in a bow
of ugliness,
deception, lies
and unwanting

I searched
pursuing tangible facts
acts that reflected
the light bestowed
suppressed and stifled
as if to hide
the beauty
that resides within

I discovered
what was already known
that deep within
beauty lived
demanding to rise
to explode
in all her glory
a firework of light

Releasing the dark
I reached for the light
allowing it to fill
soothing pains
and healing scars
erasing and replacing
winding through the fibres
of my very being

I returned
the mirror replaced
no longer skewed
and finally, I smiled
in acceptance
of what was,
what is
and what will be

And in my discovery
came a knowing
a simple truth revealed
one of beauty
and love
kindness and compassion
and ability
to rise and overcome

Strength grew
as self-doubt dwindled
shrinking and unravelling
to disappear
leaving room
for self-acceptance
breaking the bonds
and freeing my soul

Standing, I stared
no longer afraid
of what I saw
for the champion within
had risen
in all her glory
and all her beauty
she now reigns

Smiling I recognized
myself in many ways
the warrior
ever strong and capable
facing fear head-on
the lover
seeing only beauty
finding no fault

I am many things
and my light shines bright
radiating from the spirit
restored and replenished
allowing me to dismiss
the nastiness of negativity
and embrace always
the beauty of love

Though I am not perfect
I am perfectly made
gifts surging
and thoughts percolating
sweetened always
by acceptance of self
and only love
for the girl in the mirror

© Leslie C Dobson

If you liked this poem, you can find additional ones on the poetry page of Leslie’s website.