MIRROR IMAGES

by Dirk Uphoff

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, my face is reflecting someone I don’t see at all.

As I look deeper, I think I see, why everyone asks me about my nationality. 

Am I white, am I black, the pendulum continues to swing, it seems my face and heart are somewhere in between.

Is my reflection real or just a mistake, maybe I’ll stop asking for everyone’s sake. 

Oh dear adoption, my legal good bye. You’re signed and sealed, with never a reply. 

Do I engage in a search, or continue to hide, I’m forever left wondering how to decide.

Oh mirror, mirror, on the wall, is anyone looking for me at all?

I’m beginning to get frantic, thank God no one can see, just what the adopted life has done to me.

How do I begin to settle my mind down, when this face, my adversary, is always around. ​

Dirk Uphoff is a transracial adoptee born in the 1960’s during the baby scoop era.  He “came out of the fog” in late 2019 and has been immersing himself into the adoption community ever since. Dirk is passionate about educating parents of transracial adoptees and has participated on several panels. Dirk is currently serving on the AKA Board of Directors. 

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