Poem: Soul Mirror
Try me on or not. Forever, I will be your… soul mirror.
The Chinese word that inspires this poem is ‘You Ying’ meaning a person who mirrors your inner being, reflecting your true essence and deeply understanding you.
Believe me or not, this word appeared in front of me. I believe in signs and miracles — but that’s me. I have walked my path, held my counsel and love in my heart, and just wrote about things I feel and think. So a word appears as a sign — all I can do is add more words and leave them at that.
Poem: Soul Mirror
Walk away forever, my dear
You won’t forever appearWalk in and stand in front of me
You will be you, truly ever can be.Break me into a thousand pieces and a few
I will show the thousand-plus pieces of you.I will never know a thing about you
Yet, I will just be there, waiting for you.Years can go by, and a day might come
When you might figure out this conundrumYou can only see your true self ever
Only if you stand before your soul mirror.~Ashok Subramanian © 2024
“Love is not temporary. It endures everything even if it changes form. Even when it must be put away to handle harsher things, it’s always there, ready to be called, like the soul mirror.”
― Joey W. Hill, Mirror of My Soul
Commentary on the poem:
This poem beautifully captures the essence of self-reflection and the significance of introspection. The metaphor of the “soul mirror” is powerful, suggesting that true self-awareness can only be attained by confronting oneself honestly.
The imagery of breaking the mirror into pieces to reveal different facets of one’s identity adds depth to the concept, emphasizing the complexity of the human psyche. Despite the passage of time, the soul mirror remains a constant presence, patiently waiting for the individual to recognize its significance.
Overall, the poem evokes a sense of introspective contemplation and encourages readers to embrace self-discovery as an ongoing journey.
The AI teardown:
1. Title: Soul Mirror The title sets the stage for the central metaphor of the poem. A “soul mirror” implies a reflective surface that reveals the depths of one’s inner self, suggesting introspection and self-discovery.
2. Structure: The poem consists of six stanzas, each with two lines. This structured format gives the poem a balanced and rhythmic flow, enhancing its readability and impact.
3. Themes: a. Self-awareness and introspection: The poem explores the idea that true self-awareness can only be achieved through introspection and confronting one’s innermost thoughts and feelings. The “soul mirror” symbolizes the need for deep self-reflection.
b. Time and patience: The poem suggests that self-discovery is a process that takes time and patience. Despite the passage of years, the soul mirror remains a constant presence, patiently waiting for the individual to recognize its significance.
c. Identity and self-perception: Through the imagery of the mirror, the poem highlights the multifaceted nature of identity and self-perception. Breaking the mirror into “a thousand pieces” symbolizes the complexity of the human psyche and the various facets of one’s identity.
4. Imagery and Symbolism: a. Mirror: The mirror serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem, representing self-reflection, introspection, and the quest for self-awareness. It reflects not just physical appearance but also inner thoughts, emotions, and truths.
b. Breaking into pieces: The act of breaking the mirror into “a thousand pieces” symbolizes the fragmentation of the self and the multitude of aspects that make up one’s identity. Each shard of the mirror reflects a different facet of the individual’s personality and experiences.
c. Waiting: The idea of the soul mirror “waiting” suggests patience and perseverance. It implies that self-discovery is a gradual process that unfolds over time, and the mirror will be there whenever the individual is ready to confront their true self.
5. Language and Tone: The language used in the poem is simple yet evocative, with imagery that resonates deeply with the reader. The tone is reflective and contemplative, inviting readers to ponder their own journey of self-discovery.
6. Conclusion: In conclusion, “Soul Mirror” by Ashok Subramanian is a thought-provoking poem that explores themes of self-awareness, introspection, and identity. Through its vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, the poem encourages readers to embrace the journey of self-discovery and confront their true selves with honesty and patience.
