The Acid in the Mirror

"A deeply personal reflection on the dissonance between how others perceive us and the harsh ways we view ourselves. This piece delves into the painful reality of walking through the world under the heavy, judging eyes of society, and the terrifying vulnerability of being truly known. It is a confession of the mind's darkest corners."

I am afraid to meet you, and I swear it is no lie,

You tell me I am beautiful, but I can only sigh.

For you have never truly seen the truth I try to hide,

Nor faced the bitter “beauty” and the ugliness inside.

I am afraid to meet you, for your world is full of grace,

A realm of joy and smiling that I’d ruin in this place.

I lack the kind of beauty that could ever heal your soul,

I read your gentle thoughts, but keeping hidden is my goal.

I am afraid to meet you, lest my sorrow kill your smile,

Beside your radiant happiness, my beauty feels so vile.

I hate this outer shell I wear, dark thoughts of acid breed—

A crime against the maker, but a justice for my need.

Your vision may be innocent, your gaze upon me clear,

But walking as a woman brings a thousand thoughts of fear.

Your eyes might rest upon my face without a cruel design,

But heavy, judging, public eyes will never let me shine.

I am afraid to meet you, for this beauty is a blight,

A danger that could ruin all your sunshine and your light.

It traps me in a prison where my spirit cannot soar,

And leaves me seeking poison just to end this quiet war.