Mirror, mirror, reflective view,
I can’t deny what I see is true.
I’m used to it, but I’m still aware
I'm the old wreck who’s staring there.
When younger folks look into a mirror,
They think what they see is far superior.*
I don’t mind what I see of myself;
I just remind me I'm proud uf myself:
Years ago, like youths today,
we thought the old had naught to say.

If youth looks in this mirror, just over my shoulder,
he’ll see his callow self, and someone older.
The older one looks like none won't want to hear what he'd say,
but he is sizing all up in the very same way.

Don’t judge books by their covers, it’s said.
Despite our appearance, we’re far from dead.
What you see ain’t what you’d get;
We still have what you ain’t got yet!

Youth cannot possess what my mirror shows,
maturity and confidence no young know-it-all knows.