Mirror Image

It has been a long time
since I looked
in the mirror
and saw the girl
    in my reflection
smiling.

In the past, her
       smile
would never quite meet her eyes.
Her cheeks were trembling
with the weight of
    unshed tears
she continued to hold back.

I like to think
   that she was brave
because she knew I needed it.

In the past, her
       brow
was never quite smooth enough.
my worry aged her.
made her complexion
   pale and
          empty.

I like to think
  that she was strong
because she knew I couldn't be.

In the past, she
       smiled
with closed lips.
afraid if they saw her
   teeth chatter
the mask would splinter
  to pieces.

I like to think
   that she was determined
because she knew I hadn't been.

In the past, her
      eyes
never shined the way they could.
her pupil, once rimmed with gold,
  was dull and
      lifeless.
no amount of sparkle
     could emulate
their old shine.

I like to think that
    that she was stubborn
even when I faltered.

As time marched on,
  she stayed, unmoving
    but slowly
           changing.

In the past, I was afraid
to see the girl
   in my reflection.
      trying to hold on
  to who she thought
    I needed her
               to be.

I like to think
   that she is a warrior
even when I can't be.

I stand taller.
   So does she.
We both smile
      and it reaches
         our eyes.


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