Inklings 2022

Gazing at the reflection of the mirror, I scan myself head to toe. As my hair flops like a rag doll, The bags under my eyes prominently droop from late homework nights, I ponder how to explain what I am. Just an athlete, A student, A son? While my reflection and I face-off Thoughts race as fast as a gazelle. My life’s hobbies and passions flow through me, The nostalgia paralyzes me as my memories wander. A sense of realization, That my surroundings mold me: My friends introduced me to the hobbies I love today, My family taught me how to be the best I can be, My coaches ignited my passion for soccer, Which burns like an Olympic flame. Sitting down to type my words into thoughts A smile blooms, Rapidly moving my fingers across the keyboard, I am only the co-poet to my self-portrait. The people in my life helped write, edit, and publish it Even though 17 years have gone by My poem is just starting. The Shadow of my Reflection Jasper Broad 38