Just o’er yonder, ’cross the room
Hangs Grandma’s mirror that by whom
Many a face has peered into
With eyes of brown, green and blue.

The lovely mirror’s been handed down
Blest with smiles, nary a frown;
Oft’ reflecting back to a by-gone year
Of generations passed, ’tho always near.

Deep thru the looking glass I gaze
Searching for visions in the haze;
The familiar images I begin to see
Stem solely from my heredity.

Peering at me with bright eyes aglow
Is Grandma, herself, this I know;
I wonder now, whom she saw
Smiling back at her, was it her grandma?

If I put his gold specs on,
I’m most certain to see Grandpa John;
Dimple my chin and freckle each cheek
A suitable twin I’d be to Cousin Zeke.

If I could, a long beard I’d grow
Then I’d look like Great Granddad Joe;
But since I can’t, I’d shave close instead
And still resemble short Uncle Ned.

I’ll braid my locks and tie back with bows
I could pass for sweet Aunt Rose;
Now, smooth my hair and swoop it back
I do declare! I’m Cousin Jack.

A strand of pearls and a hat with lace
How nice to see you, Cousin Grace;
In Khaki greens, I seem so tall
Give a proud salute to Uncle Paul.

Each time I gaze into Grandma’s mirror
Images surround me of yester year;
I’m seen in them and they’re seen in me
Blessed reflections of my family.

c. June 9, 2006

And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south; and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 28:14