Introspection at Dawn

The woman I find in the mirror at dawn . . .

 

 

 

At dawn I search

for the pretty woman

once reflected brightly

in my mirror

and find only a tired blond,

not the me I remember

 

Vainly hoping

that yesterday's travels led me

home by way of Shangri-la

I stare at myself and see

another day’s wrinkles

staring back at me

 

And Bette Davis eyes

underscored by worry

and insomnia

peering from the mirror

with an odd mixture

of innocence and savvy

 

Sighing, I apply

layers of Cover Girl

without success

to puckered lips and sagging chin,

flaws not easily camouflaged

except by smiles and laughter

 

So I write poems

conceived deep in my heart

capturing those moments

that make me smile inside,

and frequently I write

just for the laughter

Author's Note

Graphic credit: Google Images

This picture is not me, though the poem certainly is.

Reviews

[Jack...]

This is beautiful as you are my friend. What we see is not always what someone else mught see and unfortunately, the mirror only refeclts what it finds in front of it, but never views deep inside where beauty lives on forever.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Jack. I think that's why smiling and laughing is so important. When you are happy and showing it, your inside beauty is shining through. I really appreciate your comments, they mean a lot to me.

[ba_mcfarlane]

Maybe because of my age, but to me, women don't generally hit their stride around 50. It's simple .A woman is a damn sight more attractive and interestingthan a girl. I am also a believer that beauty comes from within. Once beautiful, always beautiful. Once beautiful, always sexy during her life journey.

[Joyce S. Greene]

We older women really appreciate men with your attitude, Brian. Thank you for your very insightful review. I always enjoy your words - poetry or prose.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Joyce... You are an amazing writer. :) I like how you "show" the scene using just the necessary words. Great job! Please write more and more. ;)

[Joyce S. Greene]

How very nice of you, Blue. I write a lot of tanka poetry so am used to creating dreaming room in my poems. Tanka poets try to show and not tell so that's probably what you're seeing here. I really appreciate your review - it is very encouraging and positive. I hope you write a lot more, too. I was very impressed with your first attempt to wrtie free verse. You did an excellent job.

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

This is the first time I've heard of the word "tanka".I'll try to be a tanka poet for a change and for experiment. :) Thank you, too, for giving me constructive reviews on my writings. ;)

[Joyce S. Greene]

Hi, Blue, A tanka poem is limited to five lines and is generally less than 31 syllables long. It is written in the short - long - short - long - long format to emulate the sound of the orginal tanka poems. There are many articles about the tanka on-line - just Google "tanka" and you can read all about it - it is the grandmother form of the haiku, and was first written by the Japanese thousands of years ago. (I have posted several tanka on WC - see my first several posts for examples.) Best of luck in your writing!

[Azure Montessa (Blue)]

Thank you so much for this detailed response, Joyce. I appreciate this very much. I will surely look for this one. :)

[Clara]

I think the mirror is accurate in its reflection - a beautiful woman who has an 'odd mixture of innocence and savvy' and someone who lives for 'smiles and laughter'. This poem revealed strength in your vulnerability and wisdom from your years of experience. I thought it was an empowering write for women. We are so much more than the way we look. We are strong, beautiful creatures and a treasure chest for those 'moments'. Thank you for sharing this.

[Joyce S. Greene]

I am standing on my desk clapping right now, Lola, to award you a standing ovation for your comment! Not only are you a gifted poet, but you also write fantastic critiques. Many, many thanks. I am proud to call you my friend.

[Clara]

Hahaha, aww shucks. I am glad I am able to read your work, I feel very privileged.
Believe me when I say the feeling is mutual. :)

[Baby Ricochet]

I've searched for pretty women at dawn lots of times, you keep writing and I'll keep reading it. Good poem Joyce. You go girl

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, BR, that means a lot to me.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I once read that age is a matter of mind...if you don't mind, it doesn't matter!

Your poetry is a reflection of your soul, Joyce...and that will always be a thing of beauty for many of us!

[Joyce S. Greene]

Kelly, you have made my day so much brighter with your very gracious words. I am smiling very broadly now. I will be reading more of your work very soon. This weekend has been extremely busy and I still have loads to do. If only there were more hours in a day! :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

I can relate, Joyce...I think the weekend needs another day between Saturday and Sunday! ; )

[PANTHER811]

I wear wrinkled shirts so I looked pressed. Write from memories of long, long ago and faces far, far away. You write beautifully of the moment and the reflection you see is of a truly beautiful
woman Joyce. As your pen puts to paper, that which is deep in your heart, you make all who read the write smile. Thank you, Tom

[Joyce S. Greene]

I can't tell you how much your words mean to me, Tom. You are a wonderful friend and i appreciate you very much. :)

[MsJewel]

The reflection in the mirror may change, but the beautiful person inside stays...and you are a beautiful person with a kind heart and an outstanding poet (by the way). Hugs, Julie

[Joyce S. Greene]

What a wonderful thing to say, Julie. You have made me feel happy inside and that is a wonderful gift. Have a great day and keep smiling!

[MsJewel]

You are very welcome Joyce. Have a wonderful day! :) Julie

[Joyce S. Greene]

Took yesterday off to see my son, so I'm doing chores today, Julie. Hope to get a little reading in later, but life is way too short! :)

[MsJewel]

I'm doing chores in between reading too - Life is too short - and so are weekends! LOL
Don't work too hard....

[icelandicblue]

The mirror doesn't reflect the youth that resides inside. A lovely introspective poem about getting older.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you for this very nice review. It's brought me a smile. :)

[Chris]

I came back with morning coffee and Sunday thoughts... and softer eyes.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks for rereading my poem and letting me know you did, Chris. Have a very nice Sunday! :)