Thirty
A man looks at thirty...
The poem
The mirror is a fascinating device. Every day I look at it analyzing every small hair sprouting from my head using my grassy hazel eyes that squint ever so slightly to the overhead light that highlights me. Today, at thirty, I saw a slightly different version of me. Normally, I see a vibrant, youthful person with springy legs ready to tackle the day with all of its challenges. Those challenges still exist— more of them, in fact— but the soul inside has matured. It becomes more apparent as I look closer. My squint grows stronger and then it becomes crystal clear. My forehead, once smooth with no craters or ridges has begun to show wear and the creases near my eyes no longer disappear: they remain partially locked in even as I release a loud sigh. Is it a bad thing though? I'd argue both ways as I dress for the day but ultimately those little elements that temporarily irked me are symbols of a well lived life filled with constant growth in all domains as I try to understand the world and myself. So let me; let me enjoy thirty, and maybe in this new decade the mirror will surprise me yet again - perhaps, both my current self and a younger self will co-exist and perhaps merge to create a better self.
Reflection
Thirty is the age I turn today (if you are reading this on March 14). It’s an interesting turning point in my life. The last ten years of my life was spent sort of experimenting with my life, trying to figure out what I truly am, without the guidance of my parents, for the most part. During that, a lot of things happened. A few key highlights can be found in my previous post for the Muse…
On initial inspection, you might think that I wasted my twenties - the period where I am the most youthful and, subjectively, the most beautiful. In actuality, it was quite productive, even if the results are not necessarily tangible. It was filled with personal growth, with me learning more about myself and what my role is in the world. That journey is not done yet, and it probably never will be complete. Being naturally curious, I will always be learning something, and assimilating it into my corpus of knowledge.
This sort of wisdom is reflected in my current appearance. If you look at me closely, you can start to see my skin wrinkle and crease, especially if I do a rare grin or show strong emotion. Some might look to eradicate these wrinkles, fighting the aging process. I choose to embrace them - they act like battle scars, showing that I have experience living on this planet.
I still have some youthful energy left, even if it is buried underneath a more hardened shell. If I combine that with the knowledge that I’ve learned so far, I will make a difference.
So… here’s to thirty!
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I feel like the further I get past 30 the more I fall in love with my lines and wrinkles. Evidence of a life well lived .
That's a wonderful reflection on turning thirty! Very nicely done... 😎👍