Vanity

I hate mirrors for the often reveal the truths we seek to hide from the world.

Vanity 

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

(Redundant Illusion) 

Vanity, I see you clear

beyond reflection of a mirror

Painted, manicured, disguise 

In imperfections that we hide

Illusions of our pride

Are follies often recognized 

Reveals in hope to be

Fooled by vanity

Author's Note

In my old age I am no longer vain, or as much as I was in my youth. A trait I suspect was given to me as a vice by my mother. She would often spend hours preparing herself in front of a mirror. I remember at about age five just standing by the bathroom door watching this act play out. Like watching a long candle melt. I don't believe this is exclusive to one gender. Because in my teens and later I formed the same habit. I wrote this piece as an exercise of sorts. Choosing a single word to start a poem and end it. Little did I realize the consequences and profound emotions this short piece would elicit within me. So many memories came flooding into mind as I remembered my mother spending hours in front of her mirror attempting the impossible. Trying to hide what we truly are. CLE

Reviews

[Amanda Reynolds]

I love your poem but the lines from your notes, especially these lines "She would often spend hours preparing herself in front of a mirror.. I remember at about age five just standing by the bathroom door watching this act play out. Like watching a long candle melt" really moved me and painted a picture in my mind.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Amanda for your kind words. I really appreciate it. I often try to portray the origins of a piece of writing through my authors notes. I feel it's vital to understand the writing process each of us go through for our art. Because it helps those who are honing their craft to gage what others use for their tools in the creative process. I have always professed that writers see the world differently than most people. We look at objects and find descriptive words to define them rather than the single word they are ascribed. We do the same with moments we live as well. But I feel the most important trait of any creative is their ability to open themselves up to the audience. To lay bare their truth without compromise. Because to do so opens up a line of conversation and honest rapport with your readers. One that creates a respectful and truthful relationship as well as dialogue. It's why most of my writing tends to be emotive. If I could make one person feel the words or empathize with the theme than that work is a success even if it is only one person it touches. Because if you can change one heart in this world you have done something extraordinary. Keep on writing and sharing your voice with the world. CLE

[Betty Hermelee]

As we all know Carlos, beauty is within a person, not necessarily reflected in a mirror. But we also know that some women in particular spend hours in front of a mirror making themselves up to what they believe is beautiful... I had a mother-in-law who did that until the day she died... and she would teach me as a kid how to be beautiful... she even wore wigs.... I love this poem and the beginning and the end....middle too!
Best, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you B for your kind words and sharing that personal note. The image of beauty is unattainable because it fades and changes constantly. And what one thinks is beautiful is not the same for others. We loose ourselves in perfection blinding our sight to the purity of imperfection. Their uniqueness is beautiful. My mother always strives for impossibility of beauty but it is from my grandmother that I have come to accept the lesser in its particular individualistic quality. It is why i love art and writing. To create something unique and all its own, flaws and all. And in some ways see myself within it. CLE

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome C.!
Best, B

[Fabian G. Franklin]

My dear departed mother had a saying I've heard a hundred times as she often told my four sisters; "Pretty is as pretty does." Mother meant by that saying that a person's actions and not their physical traits make them either beautiful or ugly. She was a simple woman with a fifth grade education but I've never known a wiser person to walk this earth. She was humble, quiet and patient with a heart of solid gold; the most beautiful woman I've ever known. She would often tell me to be smart but not smart-mouthed because they were contrary to one another. God, I do miss her. I enjoyed the read. Yes, vanity is a fool's obsession.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Fabian for sharing your personal thoughts and experiences. Your words really moved me because they remind me of how I see my grandmother and how her influence continues in my life. My best qualities come from her, and my vices from my mom. But without a doubt my art is all her. Thank you for reminding me of that.