Silver Handled Mirror

Teri Lyn Smith

Winter 1999

when you look at me

you see

a mirror reflection

you see

in me the things

you hate about yourself

you see

in me a thing

that exists only in you

through the mirror view

you think

you see me

but you do not

lay down your

silver handled mirror

see me here

as i am

i am not

your failure

your fears

your humiliation

your tears

i am

distinct

clearly defined

i am

my own mind

my own dreams

my own experience

i am

not you

i am

your daughter