My Mirror.

My Mirror faithfully reflects
then, having pondered shows aspects
of self unseen in other's eyes
ah, but then, my glass never lies.
                            ii
I gaze into that scene within
with me without and looking in
wondering what might come to pass
it two were there seen, lad and lass.
                            iii
I angle for another look
and find not self but Eastern Suq
no painting this, but moving frame
of Eastern Delight, of worldly fame.
                            iv
At first in two dimensions seen
then glass, like water dripping clean
away, till all surrounds my sight
ear and nose with Eastern delight.
                            v
What magic this has my glass done
to place me under Eastern sun
my pallid features, winter clothes
amusing now, an Eastern beau?
                            vi
Sound and clamour surround us both
buyers, sellers, bargainers loath
to pay full price, all uncouth joy
but dimly heard by girl, by boy.
                            vii  
Neither as yet far into teens
unburdened by remembered dreams,
and each from each took proffered hand
in that far away, romantic land.
                            viii
And I in thick knit trews and brogues    
amid ten thousand folk in robes
flowing cloaks and sandaled feet
many miles from Regent Street.
                              ix
But I can feel the quickening blood
in calm acceptance where we stood
acknowledgment that each had found,
a twin soul on common ground.
                                x
We wandered quietly, hand in hand
at peace with each on desert sand,
and of the many stalls passed by
here, in frames, glass, for all to eye.
                                xi
And there I saw its blackened back
hanging, twisting slow, that same crack
it slowly turns to show my face,
framed in frigid room, not market place.
                                xii
In an instant it is all gone!
the torrid heat, the wail of song,
and at my back a freezing room,
reflecting silence to this loon.
                              xiii
With leaden heart but quick hand
I pack a bag for desert land
my only spur a reddened brow,
and eyes that mirrored, mirrored vows...