With one last gulp, I see a face

Staring back at me;

The race, the pace,

A glance, and I see

The reflection and the empty mug.

A drop to drink,

A moment to think

Is the face empty or full?

Is it weary? Is it worried?

Is it cheerful and encouraged?

Tense, tried and hurried?

The face in the bottom of the mug.

Is it content? Is it stilled?

Though the cup be emptied,

It will yet again be filled,

And the face, and the heart, and the spirit and mind

Of the one who drinks will once again find

Time to reflect on the days as they’re spent

Looking back with a pause

At the face at the bottom of the mug.

ADW 2021