LesleyScoble.com

The Mirror on the Wall

Mirror, mirror, on the wall,
Who is the most beautiful of us all?

A moment passed… then the mirror spoke, 
Is this some kind of joke? 

Not at all, my shiny friend hanging on my wall.
I want you to tell me I am the most beautiful?

I don’t tell stories that are tall.

I am deadly serious and want to know!

The mirror coughed, ‘Oh no.’

Don’t be polite—just be truthful and say,
You are beautiful today.

You want me to lie?
My honour betray?

Of course not, you fool.
I just want you to say,
I   am   beautiful.
    
Give me a minute, time to reflect…
hmm…

The queen stood in the room before the glass,
You are my subject; obey.
Tell me I am beautiful today.

Okay.
I pass, said the mirror on the wall
 You are beautiful.

With that the queen smirked and turned her back.
And the mirror on the wall began to crack…
~

Lesley Scoble, July 2024

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I wrote my poem, The Mirror on the Wall, in response to Sadje’s #Whatdoyousee photo prompt #243. Image credit; Tom Barrett @ Unsplash

THANKS
My thanks to my friend Ania, who is reflected in my photo of the mirror at the V&A museum, London.
Thank you, Sadje for you for your inspirational #WDYS poetry and creative writing prompts.

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Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.