Since my seventieth birthday I have assiduously avoided mirrors. I find it is better for me not to remind myself of my appearance, for it belies my inner man.
This is not to say that I have the boundless vigor and flexibility of youth, but I certainly feel better than the shrunken visage of sparse white hair and sagging skin my barber tries to show me.
But what of the myriad youthful ambitions that shaped me and drove my life? Let me say that a swimmer who has safely reached the shore doesn’t pine for the struggle of nearly drowning.
mirrors and twins, as it says in the Erl King, are anethema to God because both multiply the image of man
There’s a lot of truth in that. I like that final image very much.
Stream of consciousness? Interesting. I don’t see the connection to the photo, but maybe that’s me being too literal?
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Travel, Fiction and Photos
Winter of his life
This so reminded me of my grandmother. She used to hate seeing herself in the mirror. She said the old lady reflected did not properly show the young lady inside of her.
Loved this, Josh.
Excellent last line; what an apt way to represent those supposed glory days.
Very profound.
Well said, Josh. Evocative if not a tad depressing.
Shalom,
Rochelle
for it belies my inner man ~ I imagine many feel this way.
Absolutely loved that last line, brilliant. And so true.
Very nice, and describes me very well.
An insightful piece. Very well done.
The metaphorical final line is spot on. One to remember methinks!
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Quite right – why mourn your own survival. I think I shall stop using mirrors immediately! I love the voice and the character, Josh – a great tale
Smashing upbeat story, Josh, and so well written. That last line is very true.
Its a hard reality to see the person you are when it doesn’t match the person you feel you are. Nicely done
Very good. Stroke the goaty beard of wisdom…