When I look in the mirror

I don’t see me

I see a beautiful girl

Staring back

But she’s not looking at me

She’s looking over my shoulder

Because that’s where she belongs

Behind me

Where my past should be

I must learn to live without her

And leave her behind

Because I am still that beautiful girl

Just not on the inside

Inside I am wrinkled

And have gray in my hair

I have distorted features

They shouldn’t be there

Not at my age

But the world around me

Has filled me with grief

And that grief has withered me

So I cannot speak

Not for you

Not for myself

Not for that beautiful girl

That stares behind me in the mirror