A Mirror
by Jason Tomlinson

If I can hold a mirror in front of my face
and receive what I see with gratitude and grace
and not glare put down belittle or berate
indulge in sarcasm or any self hate
or be ashamed of the present and where I am not
and all the failure in which I am currently caught
or be fake and act like it’s all okay
like I never complain or have a bad day
but just see me for me and let that be enough
despite imperfections despite all the stuff
that says I should quit and just stop trying
face the day fake with a whole lotta lying
if I can hold the mirror and look at who’s there
love me believe in me and patiently stare
thankful and glad for the person who came
then maybe I can help you do the same