To a Mirror Rescued from the Sally Ann Second Hand Shop

What friend are you that flaunts our history?
After Thirty years, am I still a mystery?
As vain as I, when you consider all we've shared
Should I not assume that you really cared?

It was my artistry that antiqued your fading style
and saved you from ignominy in a refuse pile.
I provided you with life and purpose and stature
And personal moments that were yours to capture.

Now you hang omniscient on the bathroom wall
reflecting... revealing... showing it all.
I charge you, O Mirror... be faithful... be fair.
Lie to me... coddle me... show me you care.

Though my face is leathered, weathered and lined
Must you, my friend, portray it so cruelly unkind.
Could you not search your file of earlier reflections
And delude me, your benefactor, with kinder selections?

O Mirror, Mirror, don't abet life's relentless race;
But stop the process and restore the face
Of the youth who held you in such respectful esteem.
Lie to me... Coddle me... Allow me my dream.

KES April 1992