by Mike Ellwood
Member since:
November 20, 2006

Self-Portrait

November 27, 2008 05:13 AM EST (Updated: April 28, 2009 04:51 PM EDT)
views: 200 | comments: 46


Self-Portrait

 

 

I meet the mirrored man's appraising gaze

And focus on the pupils. In return

They peer as if attempting to discern

The nature of the soul behind the maze

Of optic nerves. I frown as if to warn

Those earnest eyes their searching is in vain,

But when I look a smile of cool disdain

Surveys me from the image I have drawn.

The mirrored man is all too well aware

(Enjoying this he sneers at me in scorn)

I see cold glass no matter how I stare,

No secret depths. And now the page is torn.

As if afraid that nothing will remain

Despite myself I pose and try again.






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Comments: 46

glenda j. Nov 27, 2008, 5:35am EST
ty
Digital Diva S. Nov 27, 2008, 7:36am EST
Interesting self-portrait.
Jodi G. Nov 27, 2008, 8:22am EST
nice poem, thanks for sharing
Having done a self-portrait myself (twice) I know exactly what you are saying. Brilliantly, I might add. :)
Vanessa Sawyer Nov 27, 2008, 9:19am EST
nice thanks for sharing
Laura M. Nov 27, 2008, 10:04am EST
The framing of this self-defeated pose made me smile. Perhaps, instead of a mirror, this artist's medium might be human to have more depth revealed by a loved one who has been the recipient of this fine and subtle humor and poetic searching. Nice poem, Mike.
Beth G. Nov 27, 2008, 10:12am EST
This was very good. I like that you try again at the end of the poem.
pamela r. Nov 27, 2008, 10:13am EST
great job--i like this bit of self reflection
Sandy C. Nov 27, 2008, 11:12am EST
that was nice
Shirley U Understand Me S. Nov 27, 2008, 12:32pm EST
somehow I understand
John Philipp Nov 27, 2008, 1:11pm EST
Clever and well done, Mike.

I also wanted to stop by and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving just Don’t touch my turkey :)
Sharon P. Nov 27, 2008, 1:42pm EST
Very true, thanks Mike, have a great Thanksgiving.
Teresa A. Nov 27, 2008, 2:16pm EST
Very nice. Thanks
Shelbia C. Nov 27, 2008, 3:10pm EST
I like it.
Boris G. Nov 27, 2008, 6:26pm EST
very interesting and thought-provoking poem Mike dealing with a rare subject.

( what does PPSWC mean by the way? )
David S. Nov 27, 2008, 7:44pm EST
Nicely done, Mike. I enjoy the Italian sonnet form for this one.
Georgiana S. Nov 27, 2008, 8:06pm EST
I try to catch myself in the mirror when I think I am not looking!
Kristen D. Nov 27, 2008, 10:23pm EST
nice one!
Mary (diet dr pepper junkie) T. Nov 27, 2008, 11:48pm EST
interesting look at you
Susan Budig Nov 28, 2008, 12:20am EST
Mike, this is a perspective that I've not often considered and you write it out so well. Very intriguing and surprising. ty

Thanks for posting to Mindful Poetry.
wayne p. Nov 28, 2008, 1:07am EST
your reflection is deception.
Barbra L. Nov 28, 2008, 11:00am EST
First of all, Mike, I love the font style and size you chose. It's perfect for your content.

What a great job you’ve done in word painting one seeking the merits/qualities of his/herself through a self-portrait attempt. I love this cautionary line from your sonnet that seeks to change the dynamics involved:

I frown as if to warn
Those earnest eyes their searching is in vain,

But my favorite lines were the last two! The humor is charmingly poignant, and liberates the tension from the intensity of the content before in a delightful way. A winning write for sure, Mike. Your poems are always beautiful, mysterious and exemplary of a marvelous talent.
Kristen W. Nov 29, 2008, 5:41pm EST
Flows easily, though I know how complicated this poem must have been to write. It's very well done.
Tracey W. Nov 29, 2008, 6:31pm EST
Wonderful! This is what we do to ourselves even without a mirror, I think. I love the last line here, though it seems every word has been so carefully chosen. The effect is quite lasting. Well done.
Lewis (taking over Gather) K. Nov 29, 2008, 11:39pm EST
Nicely written. I've actually found myself doing this at times. I try to see what someone else might see behind my eyes. I never truly can say for sure.
Elise w. Nov 30, 2008, 12:18am EST
I often wonder how I appear to other people. I think it'd be cool to see myself through someone elses eyes.

Wonderful writing, Mike! :-)
Yvonne F. Nov 30, 2008, 6:18am EST
Thats a 10 from me
Granny Janny H. Nov 30, 2008, 12:18pm EST
You drew me in
focusing on pupils
soul divided by glass reflection
meter and rhyme perfection
You left me with a smile
Humorous detection
Lindali B Nov 30, 2008, 1:19pm EST
Congratulations on winning First Place, Mike. This poem is an intricate exploration of an experience we all have - at least daily. Thank you!
Norvona J. Nov 30, 2008, 3:28pm EST
I like this!!!
Arduinna Hunter Nov 30, 2008, 7:59pm EST
Great job mike. I like the subtle irony, and the hint of humor.
Sujata (funnily 'Suji' ) S. Dec 1, 2008, 6:57am EST
Congratulations Mike !

You do excell everytime and factually honest

I have no words to cover but totally agree with Barb

The beauty is all mirrored in her say !!!
Sheila Deeth Dec 1, 2008, 3:40pm EST
I love this one!
Sheila Deeth Dec 1, 2008, 3:41pm EST
And congratulations!
Andrea (Ms. Conservative) L. Dec 1, 2008, 9:03pm EST
Welcome to the Holiday Season!
Michelle W. Dec 2, 2008, 9:19am EST
I love the end! Congratulations!!
Kelly Kay Dec 4, 2008, 7:32pm EST
self reflection is good for the soul
Sharon B. Dec 6, 2008, 1:00am EST
Very nice.
DrewBerry L. Dec 14, 2008, 11:01am EST
"The mirrored man is all too well aware (Enjoying this he sneers at me in scorn)"

It really is like a different person is peering back sometimes. You've captured youself well.

Thanks!
Sheila Deeth Dec 17, 2008, 7:01pm EST
Thanks for the reading recommendation Mike. You always point me in such good directions.
Nora Davenport Dec 20, 2008, 12:41pm EST
Wonderful poem!
Kristina B. Jan 15, 2009, 1:47pm EST
I have been away from gather for a bit. You have always been one of my "must reads." This poem just clarifies that for me, it is really good.

Hmm, when I was younger (15-20 years maybe?) I liked what I saw in the mirror... on the surface anyway. Now that I am older, I find that I can complete grooming essentials... even pluck an eyebrow or 2 and not really see anything. I wish there was a mirror that could bring to light the things that are really important. The available reflecting devices in my world do nothing but accentuate the lines on my face. I guess that is what our loved ones are for. Human mirrors reflecting all our love and devotion, time and effort. However, the reflection of a typical teenage mirror will always be a bit distorted...

Thanks for a wonderful read.
Granny Janny H. Apr 28, 2009, 5:01pm EDT
Did you edit the poem, Mike? I see it is updated but too much time has gone by for me to remember if it changed.
It's another great poem and I am happy to read it again!
A universal theme of humanity and introspection is the reflection that shines here.
Thomas W. May 23, 2009, 4:41am EDT

i see something different.

at the end there, i mean.

 

a certain...'futility'? -is this the word i seek?

perhaps.

 

 

 
Mike Ellwood May 24, 2009, 5:22pm EDT

Resignedness?

I know what you mean thomas. Yes, there is humor, but there is also quiet desperation. It's also a comment on my own poetry.

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