Note: “mirror” should be read with two syllables in this poem…
***
I dreamt I found that fabled mirror, peered within, and asked
Vain questionings inspired by Snow White’s queen
Yet afterwards, my self-exalting queries were at last
All answered in a different kind of mirror
But first, my pride inquired of that dark glass…
“Mirror Mirror on the wall
Who speaks fairest, do you think?
Who’s the wisest one of all, the
Sage about whom quills will spill much ink?”
“Who has beauty like a swan of
White, or sunset in the West?
Who is called the paragon of
Light and truth and love and all the rest?”
Vain conceit conceived these words
Could anything deflate my puffed up chest?
I awoke and found a mirror
Leatherbound, its leaves relieved my
Mind of darkness growing ever drearer
Sage and Saint within reflect
Heights of love; man’s worth afresh
Pages inked with red connect the
Heart to heaven’s Mirror built of flesh
Mirror of the Father’s care
The Fairest One! God’s wisdom spoken
Mirror of man’s calling, when He
Gives His very Self in Bread that’s broken
Mirror marched up skullish mount
Fount of healing; cracked and scorned
Mirror tarnished, on a beam
Gleaming love through hatred humbly borne
Mirror shattered; hope betrayed?
Shards of splendor in a tomb
Soon exhumed; the glass remade! The
Grave transfigured ever since to womb
My soul, be meek; look deep inside
And see that humble, shining Guest
Who seeks those lost in dark of pride
And lights their steps as brightest Star and best
Who moonlights, too, as Path and Door… (1)
That opens wide to where He’s Sun…
Those song-soaked shores where all the meek give praise (2)
***
(1) John’s Gospel
(2) Revelation
