Grandma's Mirror

Shortly before puberty, I walked
Past Grandma’s hall mirror,
Just as I had every day
During every summer visit.

I stopped to check my hair
And suddenly realized that
There was no getting out.
This was my body and I was stuck.

At the time, this was one of the
Most terrifying thoughts I’d had.

My Grandma is now more than 80
Years older than I was then.
“Who is this old woman in the mirror?”
She wonders. “I don’t feel that old.”

The age of her spirit doesn’t match
The age of her face in the mirror.
Her spirit is still stuck in a body running down.
Terror seems like an appropriate response.