Mirror

Mirror,
Mirror,
On The Wall.

Have you ever
touched your reflection and
wondered
what is it
that you really see?
The masks you wear,
The smiles that
are plastered on your face.
The constant, looming presence
of an unacknowledged void.
Inside.

Threatening to reveal it's ugly blackness
In that moment of
Trepidition,
Weakness

A white lily
Hides darkness underneath
Peel the petals
And see for yourself
The yellow sickness

Does it hurt if I touch you there?
Does it burn?
Does that pretty smile twist to show a searing pain hidden
Inside

Your pale skin
Is cheap casing
For the simmering rage hidden
Inside

Perhaps you forget
Your mirror is never truly you
It's only the
Outside

Inhale.
Count to five.
Exhale.
Manage
               Your
Stress
               Your
Monsters
               Your
Scars

How do you manage
The maddening thump
of a heart
about to explode
out of your chest?

Take the paraffin and set fire to your mirror
Maybe in the embers
You will find the elusive truth
That runs away from you.

Ashes to ashes
Dust to dust.