For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face
— 1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV)
i’m surrounded by you
in mirrors, in windows, every glancing surface
you haunt the glass
i look at you, scrutinize, and curdle with reproach
yet,
you are mesmerizing
you mirror my movements and meet my eyes;
you preoccupy me
when i look closely,
the glass is opaque with your burdens and desires—
a distraction
i’m surrounded by you
in voices, bodies, outstretched hands
together you’re my parachute, but still furled; your vibrant breadth undiscovered
i look at you from behind glass walls
my ghostly reflection, superimposed
a film of grime and conceit, obscuring your beauty
but,
if i look closely, if i forget myself,
the glass vanishes,
and we are face to face (finally)
i’m falling, hands touch, and
your colors unfurl across the sky
i’m surrounded by You
in morning glory, the sunrise; in pure, unruffled air
Your presence is breathable, fragrant, yet breathtaking
i look at this world, unveiled by Your light,
at creation, which blushes with reverent joy
and,
my reflection, a mere memory, glimmers and fades
children laugh and embrace, Your Ghost dwelling among them
as i look closely,
bodies and barriers disappear; Your radiance shines through
like blooming parachutes, You fill up the sky
and i’m mesmerized, again
