Mirror, Mirror...

There was a mirror on my wall
in which I looked ten feet tall.
My ego filled all the space,
for anyone else, there was no place.
Awash in my youth I thought I had it all,
what can touch me, I boasted, impervious to the higher call.
 
As the years began to unroll
I became troubled by my anxious soul.
My reflection hazy, searching, desperate to recall;
no answers to be found in the mirror on my wall.
I sought tranquility in my days
 tossed, restless in my sleep at night.
But, to no degree could I breakaway.
Whatever will set me free from this troubled plight?
 
Mirror, mirror on my wall,
now in my middle years, how do I stop the free-fall?
Suddenly, all became clear, the depth of my depravity,
to live within a selfish shell was pure insanity.
I wrestled with my soul
the truth within I finally got hold,
it was time to set it free.
 
I opened my eyes to the world, no longer in shadow,
I exchanged the mirror for a window,
drank in all I saw, joy pushed away the sorrow.
The colors rolled vibrantly over the hills,
the clouds blew out towards the sea.
Children laughed and played,
and gave the world hope, unafraid.
 
I opened my heart to the world, no longer guarded,
 innocence over took me, I was definitely altered.
My callous shell faded away,
I looked forward to each new day.
No longer would I live for myself and my pleasure
My goal now, to let love for others be my measure.
 
I opened my spirit to the world and a power filled me
with the strength of loved ones come and gone
their love never died, but still reigning on.
It supports me now in the purpose that I choose,
to help others win and never lose.
 
What I thought was important when I was young
was nothing in light of the work that must be done.
To know what I “really” know
in my mind, my heart and my soul.
To make a better world, yes this is my final goal.