The book of mirrors - Frieda Hughes

"The Book of Mirrors" tries to let us see ourselves as we really are. We should have the answers to all our own questions, but if we don't see ourselves clearly - faults included - our answers can be distorted by vanities or ego. The poems ask: What do we want from our lives? Is it worth having? What would we like to change in ourselves and our circumstances? Are arguments worth the effort? Is anything achieved by them? Death is unavoidable and all our battles are in vain in the end, so we should choose what to defend, what to fight for and how much of the quality of our lives we are prepared to sacrifice in the process. If only we could make the best of what we are, with the abilities we are given - and develop - without being distracted by the conflicts and desires that too often define us, and which are ultimately unimportant. "The Book of Mirrors" examines the ideas of argument, resolution and the acceptance of what cannot be changed. It also includes poems relating to childhood memories, adolescent experiences and encounters with itinerant wildlife.