Reflections of the Past

Reflections of the Past

Walking down the street
I catch a glimpse
of another woman
Walking down the street.

Her head is down
she looks sad,
preoccupied with her thoughts -
though she also seems
to be glancing at me.

As we keep walking
side by side
I continue to take quick looks
don't stare - it's not polite.
I notice that she is limping
and she is overweight
the poor dear -
and what was she thinking
wearing that outfit?
It accentuates her flaws
and makes her seem larger
and older
than she really is.

Thank goodness
I haven't let myself go like that!
Thank goodness
I have my young, slim body -
solid and muscular
tanned golden by the sun.
I bet she's self conscious
the poor dear -
I should look at her
and give her a friendly
encouraging smile,
maybe say hello.

I stop and turn toward her
smiling what I hope
is my friendliest smile.
And with great shock
I recognize my own reflection
smiling back at me
from the storefront window.

Walking down the street
I catch a glimpse
of another woman
Walking down the street.