The Dividing Line

Parallel Mirrors

    

The world, as we see it,

is a mirror of the mind,

at which the mind glares, trying

to look back at itself,

but always falling, lost

in its Narcissus stare.

The mind, as it is,

is a mirror of the world,

and when the world moves

a strong godlike right arm,

a bantam left hand points down

at the dark back of the mind.

I stare at you often,

as if you were my world,

wanting you to stare back at me

with a deliberation

and a mischievous intensity

that undresses all will and thoughts.

Will I dare return it?

Or was I the one who started?

If I am a reflex

let me be aware of it,

so that your gaze on my face

finds a mirror with a purpose.

Armando Halpern

  

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