Palimpsest

Mirrors

A passing glance in a merciless mirror

Catches a stranger furtively glancing back

Masked in disbelief.

To my horror and dismay

Every line, wrinkle, scar and blemish

Is clearly revealed.

The veil is lifted

The curtain parted

All my sins seem roadmapped

On my face.

If this is how others see me

It’s little wonder I am alone.

I earned those marks, every one.

I came by most of them

With honourable intentions

And dire consequences.

(A bad outcome for a good reason)

But they do make a gruesome sight

To frighten children

And small animals.

I may seem pensive

But I’m simply very lonely.

I am Grima

I am Dorian

I am Quasimodo

I have made an unholy bargain.

Now my account is due

And I have no coin.

Click here to return to Home Page