Reflections

Ghosts surround me gently reminding
Mirrored reflections from earlier times
Never frightening forever coaxing
Edging me forwards to daily climb.

Looking passed them into the distance
To tables bedecked with holiday fare
Smiling faces without condescension
Accepting of this black sheep there.

Aunts and uncles names forgotten
Their faces etched in memories frame
Recognizing despite the decades
This body older but still the same.