I Sit Before My Vanity

I sit before my vanity,
Dressed in pride.
In my mourning,
I must ask,
"What face will I put on to the world?
How do I face myself?"
A heartfelt smile of optimism and hope,
Foolish or not,
I am pale without it.
Braced,
I walk straight with few trips on my journey.
                                                             2005
Wearing my first brace since childhood was one of a series of health challenges that called into question how I meet my compromised body.  Questions continue.  The source will change, as will I.  Yet, the questions will continue.  Will I be open to the questions?  Will we?