apology to the mirror

apology to the mirror

 i say sorry to the mirror
 for looking away too fast.
 for calling her names
 that no one deserves.

 she stares at me like she knows
 every unkind word i’ve whispered.
 maybe she does.
 maybe she’s tired of forgiving me.

 today i try something different —
 i trace the shape of my face
 like a map i forgot how to read.

 there’s a person here.
 she’s still here.
 she’s not what i called her.

 the mirror doesn’t smile back,
 but she doesn’t flinch either.
 maybe that’s a start.