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

Be meek my soul; look deep inside
That Mirror, see; reflect His rays!
Direct those lost in dark of pride
To-ward the humble Star Who shines the way

Who moonlights, too, as Path and Door… (1)

The Door that opens up to where He’s Sun

Where all the meek and pure of heart give praise (2)

***

(1) John’s Gospel

(2) Revelation