As Seen In The Mirror Poem by Jan Oskar Hansen

As seen in the mirror

Oh, I'm not done yet, when young I was dense because I could
not see further than the now, old age will continue
even when I drown, sucked down by aching memory
I shall not perish.
Self-consciousness be damned, once I had a good singing voice
I let it slide because I was afraid of doing what was needed
to practice and practice until I could compete with Jussie Björling
So, you have not heard of him, he was a Swede and could open
up your soul and find the diamond handed down to you from
countless generations giving you an understanding of the nature
of beauty and love, the strength that will set you free.
Ok, let the battle commence, old age to go to war against
the light that no longer is bright and to suffer the kindness of those
tries to patronize you; mind, they can carry my suitcase when
setting sail for the Saragossa Island; for so it is written.
How foolish we are, how stupid mankind is dreaming of success
of the banal, and not seeing the victory of being free of your
shallow reputation; a life lived should mean nothing to anyone.
Oh, man, lift your head off the grinding stone, see the pattern
in the afternoon sky and rejoice.