Over the years I have stared at myself

In the mirror, seen

Millions of reflections

Of four-eyed me, millions of

Glances and sly misdirections.

When I was twelve I looked into

A smoky mirror

Dimly lit by sconces

I kissed the air and put on lipstick

And adjusted my glasses.

When I was sixteen

I made love to a man in front of a tall mirror

Twisted under him to get a better look

At our bodies.

My glasses were on the table next to us.

I looked in a mirror today

Ten times I bet

Sometimes I saw an old lady with frizzy white hair and specs

Sometimes I saw me

A million times I saw me.