Mirror Image

Mirror Image
(for nancy)

Sad, somber eyes hardened
by distress and self-imposed
responsibility.

Grief slowly oozing from the
fracture in her carefully
constructed control.

The fracture deepened;
widened as the lines of stress
crept into her everyday
demeanor.

Tourniquets applied brought the
final rupture as she yearned
for release of the soul burning
terror and need.

The terror evaporated upon escape;
there emerged an explosion of gentleness
and loving; of strength and compassion.

The explosion, her face-claiming smile.

April 1983