I responded to a Reverb11 prompt from Carolyn Rubenstein yesterday and then, today, the process continued to work me via a writing group I have been a part of for a number of years.
The prompt from writing group urged me to look in the mirror:
As I look in the mirror, I see… and I realize lately I have neglected to look in the mirror. Mostly I scan for stains or tattered edges, split seams. I notice I have left my eye contact with myself someplace else.
What is the secret I am hiding from my view?
Or what is the secret I continue to stuff into the closet behind me?
Lately anxiety – the fear of being afraid – has held my gaze captive.
The “Don’t look! Don’t look! Don’t look!” as Marlena’s lifeless form was forever obscured from sight.
The “Don’t look at atrocities. Don’t notice the world’s aches and pains! Don’t take them on!”
The “Don’t look, don’t compare and for God’s sake don’t fuss with all those satiny, lacey, girly things. Practical, practical, practical!”
The traditional, “Don’t look a gifthorse in the mouth” and “Don’t look at the accident at the side of the road.”
“Don’t look at Sadie’s humiliation.” Or “Don’t look (and please, never mention) Kendra’s stretch marks!”
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Show me what is the truest of all ~
Help me not to be so scared
Show me how to be aware
Laughter, wonder, gifts of grace –
The beauty, so vivid, etched on my face
~ raw, free form writing. Left as is in its fresh off my pen form.
Love, love, love to you all.
I am Julie Jordan Scott ~ and this is a continued percoflation from one of my Reverb11 posts. This year, the Reverb Community is taking an individualized approach to this life changing initiative. I am answering several prompts a day in short snippets during either a 30 minute or 60 minute wordsprint. I look forward to reading other Reverb11ers writing & if you are unfamiliar, just use the prompt and use the #reverb11 hashtag on twitter. You'll have a blast!
Follow me on Twitter: @JulieJordanScot
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© 2011
Julie Jordan Scott
Love this. Free form is so exhilarating. Love where it takes the mind and the questions that pop up!
Posted by: Tracy Mangold | December 05, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Thinking of putting a copy of your "Mirror, Mirror..." on my mirror to help remind me that there is more to me than meets the eye! Love it.
Posted by: Lynn | December 06, 2011 at 03:36 AM
"What is the secret I am hiding from my view?"
Oh! Ow. That struck a chord that needed striking.
Posted by: Just Jane | December 06, 2011 at 10:58 AM
I notice I have left my eye contact with myself someplace else. Boy. That slapped me silly. That IS me. What a thought provoking post, Julie!
Posted by: Brandee | December 16, 2011 at 06:42 PM