There All the Time

DONNA HILL

This poem was inspired when I caught my reflection in the mirror. I was shocked. For a moment I didn’t recognize myself. It was as if I imagined myself appearing different to the world. But there I was! A revelation of sorts. So I jotted down the strange feeling and it eventually turned into this poem.

Ever believe in things or

someone and one day

you find out that none

of it is true?

An epiphany.

That’s what It was.

I’m not sure when but

it crept upon me like

the shadows that slowly

spread during daylight savings time.

You know they’re coming but

you’re still surprised when

it’s suddenly dark.

Maybe the first inkling that

something wasn’t quite right

was when I caught

a quick reflection of myself

I stopped short.

Peered closer.

Wiped the slight film away

with the balls of my fingers.

For a moment I didn’t recognize the reflection. My reflection.

Me. There all the time.

Waiting to be seen.