A Universal Selfie

At times I just want to live for myself.

But what is It that I am living for?

The question puzzles me!

My own self seems to be divided 

Never completely my own to possess.

Living for myself is like living for a mirrored self.

It shows my frontal appearance

But never what is hidden in the back,

Living for my mirrored self is like  

Enjoying only a half cup of tea

And leaving the kettle untouched!

I search and search for my complete self

To know and to live united in my own being.

But I fail to grasp it. 

It’s never wholly mine.

Away from my mirrored self

I search for myself in others.

I can’t claim wholly to live for others,

I can’t lose myself in the infinite number of selves.

But living for others is like watching and acting  

In the infinite mirrors of Universal Life.

Each one shows a part of myself.

The shared hues of life’s little pains and pleasures

Become more acceptable, more enjoyable.

My little self is center of my universe

But the worldwide scattered selves

Mirror my whole self.

A Universal Selfie - as good as it gets! 

Savita Tyagi

4. 1. 2020