INTO THE MIRROR

I wanted to beat-the system
to live well-past prime, where age
is a number a relatable, an idea
transformed in flesh, here now
looking into the mirror, this morning
I realize, my face is unrecognizable
appearing aged, drawn- where a spark once
lived-from what I remember- to stare back
this stranger, in my own skin, I don't comprehend
maybe its the lights; or the turn of my head, false hope
as with everything else;  age catches up, time marches on

by Michael Perry