Yesterday's mirror, when I was young,

Showed the sweet of life resting on my tongue.

My skin was soft and smooth to the touch,

My experience empty, not meaning much.



The image I see is all that I know

As the lines on my face continue to grow.

Each etch reflects my character within,

The pain and sorrow and endless chagrin.



I've carried this face with me all life long,

Dreaming my dream, singing my song,

Scheming and daring and living my life,

Cheating on love and creating strife.



Soon tensions built and fostered regret,

Disappointment came with sadness yet.

Arrogance, esteem and foolish pride

Tainted my heart till I nearly died.



O, God, I prayed, is my soul really lost?

Is my future gone, my salvation tossed? 

Then came your lips upon my cheek,

Your love so open, your manner so meek.


You held my hand, comforting nervous

With family, friends and acts of service,

Shunning darkness and bringing your light,

Banishing hate and doing right.



Forgiveness danced with an open smile

As you shared the gift of lack of guile.

You kissed my feet in a humble chore.

The impossible life graced my door.



Enduring love is what I chose,

With dedication as my rose.

Committed happiness got my nod,

Thankful, blessed and knowing God.



Peace flies over as a white-gray dove,

Filling my heart with your depth of love.

The image I see is all that I know

As the lines on my face continue to grow.



Oh, the sweet of life rests on my tongue

Like yesterday's mirror when I was young.





Richard Lee Orey

Copyright 2009 

If you enjoyed this poetry, I invite you to visit

"Memories of Another Day" by clicking here:

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