Poets logo

Ode to the Mirror

The Gift of Now

By Judey Kalchik Published 2 years ago 2 min read
https://pixabay.com/users/engin_akyurt-3656355/

O! Mirror; mirror hanging there

Reflecting all that cross your path

Impassive accuracy beyond compare

No hint of preference or wrath.

O! Mirror; would that you show all truth!

Not only countenance, but see our hearts

Reflect not the cover, but read each page!

Though long-gone the dew of youth-

The wisdom of years to the spirit imparts,

So parse the whole, my worth to gauge.

~

O! Mirror; hanging static on that wall

You follow me not throughout my days

You see a glimpse but not my all

Reflecting the moment but not the days.

O! Mirror- my face you glimpse at start of days,

Countenance sleepy-bright-anticipation with intention full of hope

To move with purpose, kindness, action!- through the coming hours.

Then at night, with fervor-crisped from the daily craze

Intentions now tangled within Life's jump rope,

You reflect etched lines and reveal my soul's glowers.

~

O! Mirror- framed becalmed silver lake of glass

You speak not, but steadfast provide reflection

My countenance an unheeded masterclass

Of the results of the day that are deeper than my complexion.

Every morning brings with it a gift-

As at dawn you silently remind me as I glance-

Upon your polished surface shining bright.

Then evening, question: was I true to my time or give short shrift?

Did the day find me kind when I had the chance?

Eve's moonglow brings the Now of grace-giving hindsight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This Ode is written in the English style, with a classic rhyme scheme of ABAB CDECDE.

This poem written for a Vocal Challenge was my first sonnet:

My other poems written on Vocal are here.

Please let me know in the comments: Are you the type that only looks in the mirror once or twice a day? Do you take the opportunity to do a quick glance in windows as you walk by? What do you check for when looking in a mirror?

While you’re here, please do one or all of the following!

1. Click on the little heart to let me know that this clicked with you.

2. Click on the subscribe button and get a FREE notification when my next post goes live.

3. Feel free to share a link to anything I write on your social media.

4. A one-time tip or even a monthly recurring tip/pledge to support my writing is always appreciated if you are so moved!

You can also find me on Medium, AND you can find me on Threads!

inspirational

About the Creator

Judey Kalchik

It's my time to find and use my voice.

Poetry, short stories, memories, and a lot of things I think and wish I'd known a long time ago.

You can also find me on Medium

And please follow me on Threads, too!

Reader insights

Nice work

Very well written. Keep up the good work!

Top insights

  1. Excellent storytelling

    Original narrative & well developed characters

  2. Heartfelt and relatable

    The story invoked strong personal emotions

Add your insights

Comments (17)

Sign in to comment
  • Rick Henry Christopher 2 years ago

    Excellent work Judey!!! I love the flow and the reflective nature of the questions you ask.

  • Thank you for sharing your wonderful words

  • Tiffany Gordon2 years ago

    Bravo Judey! Phenomenally written & profound!

  • A poetic reflection upon a reflector of reflections.

  • Rob Angeli2 years ago

    Reflective and multifaceted. Fascinating.

  • Jazzy 2 years ago

    “Intentions now tangled with life’s jump rope” Such a beautiful line!!! 🥹

  • Remarkable Piece ❤️😉👍💯❗

  • Dana Crandell2 years ago

    The perfect choice of form for this beautiful ode.

  • Gina C.2 years ago

    Beautiful and compelling! I just watched Snow White (I've been watching all the old Disney movies lately) and for that reason, this reminded me of "Mirror, Mirror, on the wall..." 🤗 Love it so much! Really enjoyed the message in this ❤️

  • Babs Iverson2 years ago

    Fabulous ode to the mirror!!! As always, superbly written!!! Love this!!!♥️♥️💕

  • Kristen Balyeat2 years ago

    Very powerful piece, Judey! Love this style! Worked perfectly for your message. Wonderful work!

  • Emma Kate Gee2 years ago

    “Impassive accuracy.” Such a great pair of words!! 👏👏

  • Cathy holmes2 years ago

    Wow. You did a great job on this. Well done.

  • J. S. Wade2 years ago

    A piercing and reflective poem Judey. Mirrors do not deceive, our eyes do. Great entry 😎 👏

  • I am certainly glad you finished the lovely piece.

  • Paul Stewart2 years ago

    Stunning work, Judey! I hate mirrors, personally, but I understand their importance and the part they play. You perfectly described, emoted and gave life to that reflective, yet inanimate object! Lovely jubley!

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.