These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Mirror

The mirror doesn't like me much.
It shows to all my face.
One wonders, if a gentler touch
would be in love a grace.

The mirror shows an older guy.
Someone I've yet to meet.
Would I feel like I need reply,
if he spoke on the street?

The mirror doth not show the Me,
I've always known I am.
The guy inside wants not to see
the mirror's fiendish sham.

The mirror should now restore all
the youthfulness of who
stands 'fore its shiny, silver wall
without a hopeful clue.

The mirror's s'posed to just reflect
the one, I've always known.
In honor, it must genuflect,
ignoring how I've grown.

But Science is the watchword here.
the mirror's just the tool.
It shows what is to others clear.
The years are often cruel.

The mirror offers some advice.
"A smile for all is best."
It costs no mint, nor kingly price
to radiate, "I'm blest."

by Jay O’Toole
on October 19th, 2023