How now I
Approach with trepidation
Peering into the glass with wonder
Momentarily
A solitary soul
beheld
Moving forward into the light
A stranger come from far away
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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March 15, 2026
Merriam Webster - Word of the day: Tranche refers to a division or portion of a whole. World Contact Day is commemorated every year on March 15. It is a unique observance held globally to focus on communicating with extraterrestrial life and exploring the possibility that intelligent beings may exist beyond Earth. World Contact Day inspires people to invoke their curiosity and spend time thinking about the universe and the mysteries surrounding it. What is the “Ides of March”? According to the Roman calendar, the Ides are a monthly occurrence. In March and other months with 31 days, the Ides always falls on the 15th; it falls on the 13th in months with 30 days. The Ides traditionally marked the arrival of the new Moon and was cause for celebration. The word “Ides” is derived from Latin, meaning “to divide.” Mothering Sunday in 2026 falls on Sunday, March 15. Mothering Sunday, celebrated in the United Kingdom and Ireland, occurs on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which is exactly three weeks before Easter. Unlike the fixed-date Mother's Day in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, Mothering Sunday’s date changes each year according to the Christian liturgical calendar. On March 15, 2026, several notable observances and events are celebrated: Dumbstruck Day: A day to express frustration. Everything You Think is Wrong Day: A day to challenge and celebrate wrong beliefs. International Day Against Police Brutality: A day to raise awareness and advocate against police violence. My look at today, March 15, 2026 below:
By Denise E Lindquist6 days ago in Writers
Comments (7)
The first thing I thought of while reading this was Alice in "Through the Looking Glass". But I also just finished the two installments where the children are transported into different times & possibly places, reminding me of C. S. Lewis. A part of me has a sense of foreboding, another of curiosity. Yep, I'm all over the place with this. Which after reading some of the conversations below, appears to have been your intent, lol.
Oh I was wondering if this was for the Inverse challenge and then read the comments. You nailed this so brilliantly!
What appears in a mirror is just a reflection of what is real.
First of all, l love the emotion generated by this poem. But I’m going to go out on a limb in regard’s to Jan van Eck’s Arnolfini Portrait detail that you selected for the poem’s illustration. I’m assuming that the image that inspired the poem is not the portrait but the mysterious figure in the mirror next to the couple who commissioned the portrait. I seem to recall reading that van Eck cleverly included himself reflected in the mirror. For me this deepens the image of the solitary soul and stranger in your poem. Feel free to let me know I’m off by a country mile. Well done!
Ooo, I loved this paired with the painting. How creative that it tells a story both forward and reverse for the same work of art. Loved it!
Came to to basically say what Paul said! I hope it's an Inverse entry, and if so, GOOD LUCK 😁
This is spellbinding. Such wonderful word play and love that painting. Are you entering it into the Inverse Challenge? It works well both ways!