Sometimes our souls are overburdened and our tears...
Oh, the tears could become too much to bare -
And in the constant turmoil of the ticking clock
we lose touch with the person once there.

Sometimes the mirror plays tricks on those eyes
that have grown tired, weary or lost sight...
And in that constant battle of our minds...
we’re lost in some cold, eternal night.

Sometimes a moment is all that needs to be found
to stir the image...the monster...in the mirror.
And in that moment of all moments together -
we fight that thing that we all know we fear.

Insecurity, self-loathing...Ah, chose the name
that you feel will fit your monster best...
Airbrushed models...anorexia...surgery...
No wonder outward beauty is such a quest.

We’ll put ourselves through anything
to feel pretty even for but one brief day.
But when we look into that dreaded mirror...
That inner monster sometimes never fades.

I fought that monster for so long...
The mirror...oh, I could certainly do without
its glassy edges taunting me and casting
those shocking images...no doubt.

I’ve won reprieve for a short while
and was pampered at the "Simply She"
But beyond the makeup and the hair
I got to get a look at simply me.

A photograph taken at the show...
A spark had returned to my eye -
The same eyes that had always been dark
as though no soul lurked inside.

For that one, bright, fleeting spark
I’m thankful to have received
for now I can celebrate my imperfections
as opposed to being something I grieved.

Thank you all for your support
and allowing me time to share
the personality of this young poet
to all of you out there.

©March 20, 2005 Lori S. Maynard
"The Carnival Poet"