The Mirror of Reality

I looked into the mirror and saw
A jolly face grinning back-
A face that radiated vigour and youth,
As if it had not a single care in the world!

I was beginning to turn away,
But then, something caught my eye;
I looked more closely, and with a critical eye,
And the face didn't look so jolly after all-
Even the grin now seemed somewhat strained,
Almost as if it hid a grimace of pain.

I looked even more closely, and was taken aback.
The youthful exuberance slid away
To reveal a haggard and careworn face;
'Twas a face scarred by many battles,
A face with lines etched deep into it-
The unmasked face of a Survivor!