Over the mantle of years,
The mirror became my enemy,
Pointing out each flaw,
Every imperfection.
I began to avoid it’s critical gaze,
Its taunts of “you are not worthy”
A mantra echoing in my mind.
All I could see was a wrinkle here,
Extra pounds there,
Flawed,
Not good enough.
Until the day I broke free
From the mirror’s tyranny.
Instead of flaws,
I saw my mother’s spirit,
My father’s determination.
My heritage.
I began to see character, strength.
In the wrinkles,
I saw wisdom, perseverance.
In the extra pounds,
I saw a zaftig woman,
A beautiful woman with perfect flaws,
Filled with potential and fortitude,
Ready to change the world
Starting with herself.
The View from Here 