Mirror, Mirror

For artists' representations of Nature he had little interest;

like peering into a mirror at trees and meadows; 

glassy imposters. they reflect nothing true.

 

Still, can you see the image in his eye--of trees, meadows,

mountains, the harvest moon silvering her hair

the night he confessed his love for her.

 

That holy night seems now a reflection in a muddy pond--

obscured by falling rain, wrinkled by the weight of time.

Once he thought of painting to recall the past,

 

but the past is cloudier than countless mirrors,

and no pastels or crayons or gouache can capture the joy

that night he learned that love is real.

 

In every mirror he sees himself-in-love, giddy,

young, impressionable, wishing to high heaven

that reflections were true, if only for a while,





Poetry by William Hughes The PoetBay support member heart!
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Written on 2026-08-26 at 18:59

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Sameen The PoetBay support member heart!
First of all, what an amazing and lovely poem. It has a melancholic arc that I truly appreciate. Especially in the shift from philosophical skepticism about art to the deeply personal ache of memory which, I think, is well managed and further aided by the central image of the mirror. Speaking more on the latter, I love that it works without feeling forced.

A standout line is: "but the past is cloudier than countless mirrors".

I think what I like the most about this poem is its emotional honesty. That's why I'd like to say that some of the expository phrasing take away from that strength. The opening stanza, especially, is very prosy while the final stanza tells the reader what to feel. I'd rather the imagery carry the emotion. A bit more compression and letting the mirrors or the remembered night do the speaking, would elevate this poem.

All in all, you have a clear sense of what you want to say. The feeling is already there. Just a bit more trusting the imagery. That's what I think.
2026-09-01


Jamsbo Rockda The PoetBay support member heart!
I like the structure. I think only impressionist artists can capture the things you mention, for reality has no comparison.
2026-08-27