The Girl in the Mirror

About a decade ago, in the throes of a deep depression, I stared out the window of a car. As the car passes under a lamppost I caught a glimpse of my reflection, and I wasn't quite shocked to see that the girl in the glass looked just as sad as I felt. A single tear rolled down her cheek, and the sight inspired a poem.

I found that poem again a few days ago, and my heart ached at the pain the words conveyed. I thought about keeping it, but it was just too sad... So I rewrote it, instead.

This is the finished product:

I stare at the mirror
And look through the glass
The woman behind it
Stares right back

She watches me
With knowing eyes
And seems know
Just what lies
Beyond the shadows
Of day and night
And yet she waits
Silently

Years ago
When smiles were tears
And hours were years
And hopes were fears
I asked myself:
What would it be like?

The existence seemed grim:
To never laugh,
Except with them
To cry their tears
And share their fears

...But also their wonder
Their hopes
And their dreams;
To feel their joy
As it bursts from the seams
And lights up the smiles
On their faces

It took so long
For me to see
What it means to be
A girl
Whose whole world
Is that of waiting
Anticipating
Of staring
And knowing
And watching
And only showing

It took so long to see
That I
Am the girl in the mirror