Don’t Stare into Mirrors

Dear child, sweet child,

do not stare into mirrors

for your reflection is war.

Each glance at ribs poking

from their cage, desperate for freedom,

ignites the torch and begins the battle.

Do not stare into mirrors

at clothing once familiar with skin,

now draping from the body

like borrowed fabric.

With angled arms reaching for hollow places,

discomfort trickles down fingers placed in

sunken spaces, and there

disgust pools.

Do not stare into mirrors, dear child,

lest you desire to become someone else.