There I am. It’s me in a snapshot
Taken at an angle that is flattering
Me and my vanity looking into the lens
With glinted eyes, slightly askew
Me with my twitchy smile
That doesn’t quite reach my eyes
But an impossible yearning lurks therein
Obscured by the mascara and kohl
Me with my second chin
Nicely hidden in shadows
That doesn’t quite give away my age
Does this close up show who I really am
The things I stand for, or believe in
The things that irk me, or those that move me
And the insecurities that niggle away
Like maggots, slowly breaking me down
Yet they say that a picture speaks a thousand words
What do others hear it speak of
I used to be more colourful
But somehow the many rains
Have washed away my vivacity
And many suns have faded out the edges
Many moonless nights have left
A darkness in my soul
And who am I to judge myself
It is after all the age of selfies,
And we all carry a cell phone gizmo
And upload our best shots for all to see
Looking for praise, hoping for confirmation
That we exist, that we matter
Yet who am I not to judge
I am after all my worst critique