Mirror Of Beauty

Mirror Of Beauty
© Surazeus
2024 11 10

When demonic serpent of vanity, 
composed of self-reflective mirror shards, 
invades the secret haven of my heart, 
I breathe ethereal spirit of the stream 
and twirl on flashing wings of honesty 
to manage chaos with firm self-control. 

Composed with stoic courage of respect, 
I row small wood boat on the sparkling stream 
that shimmers black and gold in morning sun, 
and peer with cautious fear in shadowed woods, 
alert to detect movement of the beast 
that stalks my lone journey with hungry rage. 

Landing river boat on low sandy shore, 
I grip oak wand and glide on narrow path 
with bold attention of perceptive eyes 
toward cottage in the dale by gushing spring 
where my sister dwells with husband and child, 
yet I twirl startled at the slightest sound. 

Advancing toward stone cottage by broad elm, 
where flock of golden orioles once chirped, 
I wonder in surprise at eerie calm 
of birdless silence that twists my heart tense 
with strange terror making me gasp for breath 
as I push open the blue door that creaks. 

Slim figure of dark faceless ghost appears 
in sudden motion when I step inside 
dim uncandled cottage of chilly gloom, 
but I breathe relieved when I see the ghost 
is my reflection in the fractured mirror 
that hangs on the wall by the ash-cold hearth. 

I remember how my cute sister and I 
pranced in our new gowns with ribbons and lace, 
and made faces before mirror of beauty, 
so I step forth and caress fracture lines, 
then see my sister standing in her dress 
right behind me, floating above the floor. 

Twirling around in shock as my heart beats, 
I see my sister floating in the air, 
no angel wings spread wide as her stiff face 
glows bright from sudden sunbeam in the door, 
so I jump forward with sharp cry of joy 
but stop when I see rope binding her neck. 

Wailing in sorrow, I sever the rope, 
and hold her frail body stiff in my arms, 
caressing her cold face that never smiles, 
trembling in terror at sight of her eyes 
staring blankly up at eternity, 
and my body burns as I call her name.