Nicholas Fletcher, Aged 37
North Yorkshire, UK
The Face in the mirror
Rising smoke bellows like steam, twisting and swaying like
A belly dancer. He gasps as if breathing in the grey clouds.
The tray is full of moments in time, measured by the length
Of each stub. The eagle tattoo disappears like a snake as he
Rolls down his sleeve. He slicks back the smooth shiny grey
Strands with the precision of a leopard slowly stalking it’s prey.
The stones plop and gulps, then shimmers like a fading dream
That once was vivid, but soon evaporates in the ripples of time.
The reflections of a boy running through streets, hitting the railings
As if his stick is clattering between spokes. Dazzling medals glisten
And splinter like crystals on the empty bottle. The shadow on the wall
Of a freckled boy suddenly has the lines and creases of the gaunt face
In the mirror.
© 2000 Nicholas Fletcher - Contributed in April 2002
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