L I F E ‘S M I R R O R

 

                                                L I F E ‘S   M I R R O R

Given below is a short poem written by the American poet “Madeline Bridges” (MARY AINGE DE VERE - 1844-1920). The title of the poem is “Life’s Mirror”. It reads as follows:

 

“THERE ARE LOYAL HEARTS, there are spirits brave,

There are souls that are pure and true  

Then give to the world the bet you have,

And the best will come back to you.

 

Give love, and love to your life will flow,

A strength in your utmost need;

Have faith, and a score of hearts will show

Their faith,  in your word and deed.

 

Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind,

And honor will honor meet;

And a smile that is sweet will surely find

A smile that is just and sweet.

 

Give sorrow and pity to those who mourn;

You will gather in flower again

The scattered seeds of your thought outborne,

Though the sowing seemed but vain.

 

For life is the mirror of king and slave –

‘Tis just what we are and do;

Then give to the world the best you have,

And the bet will come back to you.”

 

            This beautiful poem compares life to a mirror which  gives a true reflection of what it sees. In the words of the poet: Life is the mirror of king and slave----i.e. all sorts of people,  great and small. As a rule, the mirror makes no distinction among them. Moreover, it is perfectly just and true ---- it does not change the original , the image which it returns is the true copy of the actual.  So, the poet says, if you give to the world ‘the best you have , the best will come back to you.’

 

            Quite obviously ,the poem is based on the principle of reciprocity and reminds one of popular sayings like : Love begets love; as you sow, so shall you reap; do good and have good. Religiously, it is a plea for good moral behaviour with the aim of maintaining social harmony.

   

            The principal virtues which the poet wants to be reflected in individuals’ conduct are: love, faith, truth and honour.  The reciprocity  of these virtues is by and large dependable, though there may be exceptions returning evil for good . But there may also be some noble souls returning  good for evil, the mirror of their life will be worth emulating.

 

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28^th January 2022                                                                G.R.Kanwal