Introduction: “Spiegel im Spiegel” meaning ‘Mirror in Mirror’ in German captivated me (and still does), not just for its hauntingly beautiful melody, but for the person (a clown) who shared it with me.

The composer Arvo Pärt wrote music inspired by his spiritual life.

This poem came to me like a gift and penned itself when I was listening to the piece.

This is an experiential poem, meant to be read while the piece plays; I hope you enjoy it:

Time slowed down

and I gazed into a hallway

of infinite mirrors

Yet, I didn’t see myself

but the vestige of a man

hidden behind a mask

that of a joker

The entertainer

bringing smiles and laughs to others

while he grieves inwardly

never knowing himself or his worth

I looked again

the mask dropped

and I saw myself

Spiegel im Spiegel