Mirrored Lessons

The Child

~ Mirrored Lessons ~

My aged mother, now long gone

has moved into my mirror

she smiles at me when I walk by

reminding me of long ago

when both of us were younger

the child came crying, all forlorn

for lack of any friends, so mom

showed her a mirror, where

a good lesson formed

see how much nicer your face appears

when you smile, she said - had me

practice for a while then

sent me off to play

next morning, climbing on the bus

grinning ear to ear - the same girl

yet not quite the same, tried to

spread good cheer

these days, each time I see mom’s face

glancing out at me, I remind her how

important a smile proves to be

and there she is, grin intact, 

smiling back at me, still

sending me off into my

day - skipping

JoMae

12/14/21