First breaths taken, gentle cries,  
under watchful parents’ eyes.  
The first sweet taste of mother's milk  
she cradles skin as soft as silk.  
Tiny fingers reach and curl,  
as a new life greets this changing world.

Unsteady steps lead to tumbles down,  
tear-stained cheeks and a fading frown;  
Bruised knees bleeding on the ground,  
their brave face crumpling at the sound.  
Kiss the hurt and dry those tears,  
hug away the pain and fears.

Playground skirmishes leave a trace,
young hearts grapple with their place,  
as games and friendships shape their days,  
exploring life in myriad ways.  
Reading tales and counting stars,  
as time slips swiftly through youthful hours.

Changes come in the undertow,  
As pre-teen tempests start to blow.  
Mirrors now become their cage,  
with self-doubt writing every page.  
Finding paths through storms within,  
as adolescent shifts begin.

Teenage years bring deeper thought
and independence fiercely sought.  
Screaming words they don’t quite mean,  
piercing hearts of parent and teen.  
Growing pains lead to hearts that yearn,  
and life's harsh lessons left to learn.

To guide them through each perilous phase,  
and love them through their changing days.  
Watch them sleep like years before,  
until their world stops outside your door.  
Time slips too quickly through growing hands,  
leaving a void that no one understands.

©️Lizzie Bevis

When I was one I looked into the mirror,
I saw a blank canvas,
Begging for paint to ink the surface
And etch deep into itself.
I remember the hope of opportunities
When I realized what I’ll be.
I’ll be whatever I want to be,
And maybe more.

When i was three I looked into the mirror,
All I saw was a wide smile,
It was warm and comforting.
Maybe I miss that smile a bit.
I contemplate the joy,
Joy that steamed from fear
Of hate that I overcame.
It has always been my proudest moment.

When I was five I looked into the mirror.
I saw the excitement in my eyes,
Anticipating the first day of school,
With a curiosity not seen.
It was almost as obvious
As when I first told a story.
Nothing was able to beat the jubilation
Of my very own world.

When I was thirteen I looked into the mirror,
the picture was too distorted to see.
Sometimes I thought I could sense
a hint of that smile I used to have
Other times, the mirror waterfalled,
Reflecting all the self worth I felt.
My heart dropped to my stomach,
The waterfall was bare.

Now I am seventeen I look into the mirror
I see a crossroads with two paths,
one lit up with starlight,
tempting me with the universe ahead.
I can hear the thud of my excitement,
- it beats ferociously.
I can feel a tingling sensation
- the regret of the other road.

When I am twenty five, I’ll look into the mirror.
I want to see the independence,
Of a young woman,
Learning what I passion for.
I want to see a beauty,
In the thirst for knowledge,
And the drive for time
Pushed along in every country that I visit.

When I am fourty-two I’ll look  into the mirror.
I want to see a family,
So light-hearted, cosy and fun.
A house unlike the one I grew up in.
I want to bathe in the warmth of the sun,
As laughter echoes in the air
Coaxed from my heart
From the melodies that make cities grow.

But I wait for the day when I’ll look into the mirror,
And barley give it a second glance.
Because I’ll know how fruitless it is.
There is nothing that a mirror can tell me that I don’t already know.
Even if I look and the image is distorted,
Or faded from the withering of the seams,
I wait for when I’ll know it’s okay.
Because an image is the only thing I see.
-Anisah Mariah