Poem: Mirror Of Yesterday

When I reflect upon the mirror of yesterday,
I remember a year of triumphs and trials.
I consider the past fears of financial loss
and the sweet sound of success
as I witnessed my bride walk down the aisle.
I had business relationship deteriorate
due to lack of respect
and failure to pay me timely for services due.
I further promoted my activities vigorously
and was blessed with better clients
who compensated me weekly for the quality work I do.
I lost three very different friends, one to a heart attack,
one to a carjacking and another to old age;
From my retired pen, I birth poems in their honor
and cried as I read the words expressed on each page.
I pray that God will not judge me too harshly
for my shortcomings
even though I made many mistakes along the way.
Crime has me terrified
of being the next victim in the newspapers
due to a stabbing or a bullet.
This is a nagging fear I battle every day.
I welcomed a beautiful baby niece
with open arms into my heart
and reluctantly experience

a deepening alienation from my brother.
I am continuing to learn in my infancy
how to be an exceptional husband and a better lover.
The past year was one of fiscal sweat and illicit tears
but I know that the New Year
will wipe those trappings away.
This is why I smile and hope for the best
when I reflect upon the mirror of yesterday.

By Sean R. Munnings
The Raga-Lover
Written 31 December 2009