Rippled Reflection

"she looks down to find the familiar"

Reflection forms as she forces herself to stare at the simple mirror. The beauty is lost to her, stolen by her disillusioned vision. Tears come to her eyes again, just as they always have. She blinks in an attempt to fight them back, but they come.  Her sight is washed, it is almost impossible to see, but still a movement is caught. She watches as the glass cries with her. It mimics each newly formed streak causing the image to flow off the silver backing and gather in a pool on the floor. Just a frame remains, her emotions leaving the mirror now bare and blank, ready for endless possibilities. Still, her mind remains blinded. She gazes at nothing, she is alone and scared, so she looks down to find the familiar.  Nothing has changed. Her likeness floats upon the puddle and she sees no beauty. Emotion collects in her eyes and the barrier that was built can no longer hold back the flood.  Droplets pelt the mirage creating a ripple of distortion and change. Reflection forms as she forces herself to stare at the simple waves.  Beautiful.

- Dennis Birtch

Photo: Unknown