No. 18 The old man stands before the mirror

No. 18 
 
The old man 
stands before the mirror, 
deep in conversation 
with the man before him, 
as if with an old friend. 
 
He is coaxing the other 
to leave home 
and take a walk with him. 
 
He turns around to leave 
but when the friendly gesture  
is not returned, 
he snarls at the other, 
starts a quarrel, 
raises his fist, 
finally stomps away and sits  
on the far chair, 
miffed.  
 
When the one in the mirror 
picks up a stick, 
he turns red with rage, 
but soon grows silent. 
 
When the whole room 
dissolves into darkness, 
the old man sits, 
hiding his face in his hands.

No. 18 The old man stands before the mirror

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