An Antique Mirror

An Antique Mirror         by Sami Khalil

An antique mirror

ferrets away many things!

Curtains come down-

Curtains come up-

over the shams of living wages;

shameless lords sitting in the pews,

with sly leers, with soundless warnings;

pictures of empty moral banks;

vaults hidden from mortal eyes;

headless spaces disconnected from earth;

spheres of influence, refresher courses

between annihilation and survival;

such a regalia till the last bells chime.

Do not envy the rich.

Do not pity the poor.

Do not laugh at gaps.

Make good your escapes from hidden shadows.

Hindsight twenty (in the grand scheme of things),

for a hearse has no pockets-

short on money, full of meanings,

when treasures are laid up in heaven.

We are truly astonished at the unexpected.

Curtains come down-

Curtains come up.   

Didn’t we almost have it all?

 

Reviews

[Robert Haigh]

I have always thought that mirrors have mystic qualities... If they could speak they would astonish us with their tales of the unseen. We all live different lives, and we all have our secrets. Some things only a mirror knows! An excellent poem, my friend!

[Sami Khalil]

Java Javaya! I love your wisdom and take on this poem. So true and well said. Thank you so much my dear poet and friend for all. See you shortly.

[duff]

This is awesome. There is a ton of attitude I'm picking up on this one. Reflections of so many individuals and their own story good or bad. It doesn't matter because the mirror never lies. But the things it sees and the stories it could tell with a voice. Very smart writing Sami. One of my favorites.

[Sami Khalil]

Howdy do! I'm blown away by this review. Thank you so much Duff for this awesome review. On my way...

[duff]

You are very welcome.

[Sami Khalil]

:)........................

[Pete]

that mirror reflects much. i'm just glad that i'm not the one who has to wash it. appears to be human nature not to realize what we have 'til it's gone. the older i get the more i realize that the most valuable things in life can't ever be taken away from us (love, faith, integrity, kindness, understanding, compassion). the unexpected can be the best granted gifts that keep on giving. the curtain is raised and lowered - is up to us to make the best showing. great reflections you give us ... :)

[Sami Khalil]

OMG! What can I say Mr. Pete. You are a wise soul. I love your take on this . All true and well said. Then you final take...the gist of it all...Wow.
Thank you so much.

[JE Falcon]

Good poem, but no, we never did.

[Sami Khalil]

Howdy! Thank you so much JE Falcon for this great brevity.

[JE Falcon]

Strangely enough, for a poet, I'm a man of few words.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. I understand now.

[saif itqan]

Life is for living. We have one chance so make the most of it and be kind. Also appreciate what you have, because others can have far less. Lead a good life because we can't be sure of what happens next. Great message Sami. Scents n Stories

[Sami Khalil]

Wowzy! Thank you so much dear poet for this marvelous review and kind visit. Please send some read requests when you post.

[Chris Shaw]

Life is for living. We have one chance so make the most of it and be kind. Also appreciate what you have, because others can have far less. Lead a good life because we can't be sure of what happens next. Great message Sami.


Chris

[Sami Khalil]

Holly Molly! I love your take and understanding on this subject. I totally agree. Thank you so much Chris Shaw for this wonderful review and truth. See you in a jiffy.

[John the Baptist]

"Don't envy the rich/Don't pity the poor." Sound advice, for we can't tell the full truth about the path another has traveled.

[Sami Khalil]

Whoeeee! You are so right John. It is hard to judge righteously. Lots of stories from rags to riches and vice versa. So many variables in those cases. God even allowed hierarchy on all levels for His own unseen reasons or tests. Thank you so much dear poet for all.
Long subject but very interesting and that is why I wrote this.

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Again, a powerful write with the imagery being awesome!
Has a great message to me!

[Sami Khalil]

Million thank yous Kathy Sue Sills for this awesome review and timely visit. See you in a jiffy...

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

My pleasure!

[Sami Khalil]

:)..........................

[saif itqan]

Again, a powerful write with the imagery being awesome!
Has a great message to me
Scents n Stories

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! Thank you kindly. Be blessed.

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

My pleasure!

[Sami Khalil]

:)......................

[KAREN]

It would be nice to have it all, but what would we do with it? I loved your poem. It has so much meaning in it.
Curtains come down-
Curtains come up.
Didn’t we almost have it all?

[Sami Khalil]

Woweee! So true and well observed dear Karen. Human greed is endless and for what as you say? Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful thoughts.

[KAREN]

You're welcome!