A reflection is not always accurate
I began to think of my past years
As I stood before the broken mirror
There were so many of me in there

I wear many hats in this world
Dad, Friend, Policeman, and Son
So many different roles
Peace maker, judge, baby sitter

I see the reflection and wonder
Why don’t I see all of me?
This reflection has no feeling
No guilt or fantasy

Deeper I thought, this was so true
I see others and meet them everyday
I do not see them for who they are
Or from where they came

My reflection looks older than I am
I can’t be the old man in the mirror
I look so much like my dad did years ago
Life is at times too fast and even cruel

There is so much more than the reflection shows
I love, I hurt, I have evil thoughts as well
My intentions are good but so often unknown
How many have seen this reflection and convicted me?

That man in my mirror judges me
I realize that I too have judged unwittingly
Cast off someone merely for their looks
If only I had taken time to reflect with them

Just as I turned to walk away I realized a truth
I must face this man in the mirror everyday
I must be honest and true to him without fail
For his reflection is a reflection of me

Jerry Robards
20 March 2002

At times it is good that the real me can't be seen.