Your Image of Me

Your image of me Does it reveal all that I'd hoped? Or does it even suggest what lies unseen Hidden behind strong walls I have built To protect the pieces of my scattered dreams? Your image of me Does it reveal scenes both free and wild? Or does it imprint a solemn view I wear too much in times of strife To puncture the air with hurtful news? Your image of me Does it show I care and long to love? Or does it picture a mind broken and worn Struggling with the controls To weather the raging inner storms? Your image of me Does it laugh and dance, joke and sing? Or does it unmask a grotesque clown Wearing a gaudy costume To hide wave after wave of frightening frowns? Your image of me Does it include a scene of peace and calm? Or does it paint only with black and gray On a sparkling white canvas To discourage a bright, lovely day? Your image of me Does it speak of a youthful soul? Or does it reflect a withering fire Of bright embers grown cold To support the rantings of an aging liar? Your image of me Does it offer forgiveness without regret? Or does it demand a payment for every mistake Done after hitting the edge and falling from grace To ignore a soul drowning in the regretful wake? Your image of me Does it record all the detail with telling facts? Or is it merely comprised of rumors and lies A blur of unfounded sick reactions To the witness of others' eyes? Your image of me Does it alarm one to know? Will continue to form for as long as runs The film credits of companions To the life portrayed succumbs. Your image of me Does it fit as wished? No hunter could capture the heart Or each breath that is drawn To sustain the life of the fleeting art. Your image of me Does it show in the eyes? A reflection of a person that begins with a glance And becomes nothing more than the memories To the end of the brief earthly dance. Frank Thompson, March 2009