Mirror Image

I know your face better than you
For I see it, in all its glory
You only see the expressions that you mean to pull
When looking in the mirror
But I see them as they naturally arise
Surprise, astonishment, shock.
You have never truly seen those.

And I see it as it is
You see a mirror reflection
Where left is right
And right is wrong, of course.

Have you ever seen you sneeze?
For I have.
Have you seen you scowl?
Or glare with envy?
You have glanced occasionally at yourself
Trying to catch the image of you
But you can not capture the reality that I can.

When I tell you that you are beautiful
You do not believe me
You look at yourself and think "how can she think that"
But you are looking at a different picture
Not the same, exquisite image that I see

I wish that you could see yourself as I do
I wish that you could see you smile
Not the false, teeth bearing smile
That you show yourself in the mercury backed glass sheet before
you
But the glowing expression of laughter and love
That I, so frequently have the honour to behold.

Do not look in the mirror, my love.
Look at me, look at what your face does to mine
How your tears, cause my own eyes to water.
How your smile makes my skin glow with joy
Look at me my love,
For I hold a truer reflection than you could ever see
Through the empty looking glass