Mirror Poem by Dereck Gibbs

I examine it…this mirror
Smoke obscuring my vision
I can’t see it…my reflection

I go blind with my insecurities
When did this happen
Too scared to see?

Sometimes I feel to fade away
Beauty or ugly
Too fat or too thin
My eyes asking frantically

This reflection of me
Distorted by reality
I envision a fantasy
Where invisibility would be great

Disillusioned by vanity
If only no one could see
Contentment would come so easily

A stranger stares back scornfully
Looking at me curiously
Who can this be?

Unable to recognize self
Hindered by deception
My eyes finally perceive the truth
And the answer becomes clear

A ripple effect calmed
Echoes hushed…and I can see