A MIRROR OF THE SOUL   In the mirror of your soul, You can only see yourself; And like Narcissus, You are now only an image   As empty as the mirrors That you gaze in. Like Echo, I once pined for you...   Joining crowds of courtiers That followed you about, Waiting for meaningful words To fall from your lips.   Blinded by your splendor, I thought your outward beauty Reflected the man within. Now I no longer look    For princes to admire, But look to my own soul To fill with inner light; And hope a mirror held up   Would reflect other Than my own conceit. And when I am asked As to why I deserted   Your courts, O prince I laugh! for I am No longer enchanted By your empty glitter,   And the dream of a love That you are not capable of. I am free to roam the meadows, Untrammeled by the chains   That I allowed you  To wrap around my heart; And every day Has its own gentle joys To contemplate. © Copyright 7/15/06 Beth Clare Johnson   (Mystic Amazon)