Mirrors Matter

The kaleidoscope doesn’t work

without the mirrors.
intricate to the design
where reflection, upon reflection
takes slivers of colored glass
and shimmers back
multifaceted stars. 

Contrasting colors
juxtaposed to elicited
oohs and aahs from the viewer
who twists the cylinder
in order to discover
multiple patterns
hidden in the antique
artifact grandmother
carried from the south of France

no memories of bombs bursting
or hiding in the basements
angry voices while
ransacking winter stores

daring not to move lest she be found
beneath the rafters 

in the underground room

extra sweet the kaleidoscope
in the sunshine again
with symmetrical patterns to delight

children and grandchildren

for another generation.