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Poetry: Self-image

by Patricia Parker

I look in my mirror
And what do I see?
A young girl no longer,
Now grandmother of three.

I was slender and slight
Not concerned with my weight,
Never ever considered a bedtime
At eight.

I partied, and reveled
And charmed all the boys
Used all my beauty
In devious ploys

Age evens out and eventually wins
At the end of our days, we account
for our sins
Every wrinkle is noted, every line
makes its point
There's accounting for puffing on
each little joint

Although I'm still willing
To try and look young
I must face the fact now
Of whom I've become

I resemble my mother
My mirror won't lie
If I don't accept that
I'll give Botox a try.

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