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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Kim challenges the toads in the garden

'The Mirror' by William Merritt Chase,
Cincinnati Art Museum,
Wikimedia Commons






it happened yesterday:
I looked in my mirror
and I liked what I saw
I could have said
my hairdresser did it
but that’s only
a half truth—
it was my idea
and I like what I see.

for many years
I lived alone
needing to learn to live
with myself,
by myself,
and for myself,
At the Mirror
by Lovis Corinth
Worcester Art Museum
Wikimedia Commons
but that was before
old age and illness hit me,
when I could look in a mirror
every day
and like what I saw.

old age and illness hit me
together recently,
both of them at once,
and I buckled
under the strain.
the worst of the illness
has left me now,
and I don’t mind if I’m old
because, once again,
I like what I see.
                     Kay Davies, June 29, 2013        
Mrs Jeantaud in the Mirror
Edgar Degas
Wikimedia Commons

Written for Kim Nelson’s Sunday mini-challenge at the Imaginary Garden with Real Toads.
Kim asked us to read the poem Love after Love by Derek Walcott, digest it, create from it, and share it with others here in the garden. “Simple,” she said, and she was right!

Thanks, Kim!

13 comments:

Helen said...

I like what I see as well, Kay. We are the sum total of everything we experience ... and it is all good!

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
...and I like what I see through your words. Hugs, YAM xx

Kerry O'Connor said...

"I like what I see..."
What a beautifully self-affirming statement, and something we should tell ourselves every time we see our reflections.

magiceye said...

This is so beautiful!!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Experience has a very special charm and beauty! Such a wonderful, uplifting poem!

J Cosmo Newbery said...

We should all learn self-acceptance!

Fireblossom said...

So do we, Kay. :-) Have a wonderful Sunday!

Maude Lynn said...

This is lovely, Kay!

Tammy said...

I love love love how you nailed that ironic and universal truth. Beautiful.

Marian said...

what a great and uncommon thing, to like what you see!

Kay said...

This is so beautiful, Kay. It leaves a satisfied and content feeling.

Susan said...

The paintings of women looking in the mirror you posted are a great supplement to the Walcott poem! ANd I love the repetition of "I like what I see"--me too. And I love your poem.

Susie Clevenger said...

"I like what I see" Love your outlook. Why moan about what has changed in the mirror when there is o much to embrace.