Mirrors
A passing glance in a merciless mirror
Catches a stranger furtively staring 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
With honourable intentions
Resulting in dire consequences.
(A bad outcome for the best of reasons)
But they do make a gruesome sight
To frighten children.
And small animals.
Every smile becomes a sneer.
At times 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.