What is this image standing before me
Its timid appearance yet robust identity
The caliginous façade but internal glee
The shrill look of reticent terror but sanguine feeling of an intrepid entity.

What is this subtlety standing before me
Unwavering in stature yet shaking inside with consternation
Wishing to escape but faced with a quandary
Displaying a sense of dread but masking a sense of motivation.

What is this rebus standing before me
Now breaking down in tribulation
Dreaming of flying away but inadvertently expressing poignancy
Why, the myriad of contradiction!

What is this cryptic enigma standing before me
Now fully armed with a sharp sense of poise
Primed and prepped to consummate his goals, his ambition, his duty
Why, how could it be, it’s my surreptitious reflection glaring back in secrecy!