Deep Inside

Touching the cold lifeless image,
fingertips nimble from age-
Somewhere within, those wrinkled passages,
hides the war on dreams, she waged

Never forgotten, just stored away,
like treasures, of golden worth-
Oh, once in a while she'd take a peek,
to refill her heart with mirth

Though her sight, not as sharp as before,
her face, not as youthful and smooth-
Still so much she has gained, from life-
her soul, the power to soothe

She's climbed mountain ranges high,
treaded waters, swift and deep-
Tended the ill; Comforted the dying;
watched over the child that sleeps

Her knees have been sore from chores,
yet still, she knelt to pray-
Rest deprivation would often find her,
but a smile she'd wear the next day

While her mirror always reflects,
it never delves far deep inside-
It's there, her beauty, and lifelong dreams,
were never, ever denied

© Lisa Hilbers
7/20/05