Silent Conversation

The sympathetic face in front of me is long-familiar.

It looks at me, all benevolence and understanding,

A touch of naivety and wonder still in the eyes,

Resistant to passing time, defiant of life’s experience.

It gazes at me calmly, lovingly.

I do not hide from it my flaws, my white lies,

My victories, my battles, and my fears.

I bare it all, knowing that it'll be met with acceptance.

I hold its gaze steadily, unashamed of everything

That I’ve become, and with a silent promise

To never cease trying to improve.

The perceptive eyes acknowledge my vow,

And the advice they give soothes me.

“Just live now, best you can, because

Everything matters, and nothing does.”

I respond with a smile, turning away from the mirror.