The Farce

I stand before the mirror
naked to the cold air
salt chlorine water dripping
a puddle around my feet
while the muscled skin looks solid enough
reflecting the 2000 yards in the water
the 6 miles on the bike
the healthy glow from freezing air
the age will not be denied
the eyes sunken in black sockets
dark pools that hide life
the skin cracks from the chemicals
and exposure to sun and wind
who is responsible for this farce
that my life has become
my clients, my friends, my creditors
they don't answer
they know they are innocent
so it must be you, my lover
you are the one who has brought me to this
but you are quiet too
the only thing I see in the mirror
is my reflection staring back at me