as unsparing as glass hung to mirror is--

in the cold cast monologue of eyes,

the faces of years never purveyed

true reflection.

so there is no preparing to meet it

in another's eyes who see themselves,

as you see yourself for the first time.

whereupon the light of day clears its

space overhung with veils, exposing

those eyes.

momentarily struck dead by the force

of their essential seeing--what played

haunted host to the lighting  of a

lifetime.

suddenly stares back--one sees one's

reflection, a shock only Love can absorb.