Frail and Old

 

 

Clasping with frail fingers,

An old silver hand-mirror,

The sides of the glass blurred with jaded green,

With beautifully sculpted angels perched on the rim,

Angels still so young and so adorable,

They make this senile body jealous.

 

Timidly do I bring the reflection closer,

Scared to look at time’s diabolic creativity,

Lines, that have taken ages to emerge so conspicuously,

 

I stare at the rotten face in the old mirror and scrutinize,

 

The layers of foundation on the sagging face

To hide the lines of age.

 

Strokes of rouge on the skin,

Hanging loose on the cheek bones.

 

The red lipstick on the chapped pale blue lips.

 

Mascara on the almost invisible lashes.

 

Eye shadow on the lid to conceal the thin green lines.

 

Perfectly combed little remains guarded by my pretty blue hat.

 

 

 

I stare and I wonder

 

“Would you have loved me the same?”

 

I really don’t know!!

 

“But I still crave for you the same.”

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Damien Dsoul]

I am reading this poem for the second time, and the image that keeps recuring to me is that of Gary Oldman's character in 'Bram Stoker's Dracula'. Your poem so captures the weigt and feel of someone who's reviewing him/herself through the existential and shadowy mist of time. It is very nostalgic, and the benign attention to detail is very resorceful. And those last spoken words ... don't they seem more scary to you? They sure do to me. Brrr...

[Robert Luna]

What a detail visual that you gave me here. The purity of a scene that played so vividly in my mind's eye. I think you captured this feeling or thought great and did it in a way that made for a wonderful read.


Well Done!!!!!!

[The Archangel Gabriel]

I think that you have done a wonderful job of capturing the emotions of a lady gaining years. However, I am not an old lady and am in a difficult postion to judge this matter.

Thanks,
Gabe

[SM Davis]

I agree with Philip on this. This is a poem of timeless imagery. Nostalgic yes, but more even, a poem of situational memory. This is an excellent write!

[My Name is Brenda and I..]

You've done it. You made me see the old lady in the mirror. With the foreboding that one day that visage will be my own. Well done. Brenda

[R J Askew]

'Time's diabolic creativity' is the line for me. That bugger Time, painting on a line here, a sag there, some greyness there, weariness throughout...go heavy with the disappointment...

[BrightEyes]

the problem with growing older - is that it only happens on the outside. They "you" inside is still young and vibrant - sometimes trapped inside a body ravaged by time. The good side is that as people mature - they are more able to see the soul of people - the spirit inside. That's why elderly people still get married! hehehe. This was a great glimpse into the uncertainties of an aging woman - one who perhaps thinks the only beauty she has to offer is what is on the outside. great job.

laura

[None]

This justified my trip to the Dior counter today. I purchased my favorite skin cream! You did a splendid job creating the thoughts and concerns of an older woman. This really reminds me of my grandmother. She wouldn't come down in the morning until she had her wig and makeup on. I like how you detailed the angels on the hand-mirror. I really enjoyed this poem of yours.

[Nicole (Carpe Diem)]

i think that this is a great piece... wonderfully written... fantastic job

[SweetPeachesAlways]

Very nice imagery...I thought for a moment it was you, for sure! Good job.

[Ruby Moon]

its like looking on to a very private moment that the old lady is having...
i can imagine her flinging the mirror away from her after the last line
it is the only kind of thing that the lady would show when there is no one else around
when others are around she most probably pretend that she doesnt mind it
the out brust that only happens when she is totally venerable

i am rumbling...but oh well, great piece