Sight Unseen

Written in 2007 for a contest

I look up and there you are staring back at me. You capture my gaze, holding it against my will. I study tell-tale signs scribed upon your face. The frown that is in reprimand of lies that were told. The furrowed brow marked by the days spent battling inner demons. The unshed tears that were held back for a better time.

Looking into your eyes, the windows to the soul, I see a whirlwind storm, I see conflict that is based so deep. I see pain and torment, regret and relief. I see a constant battle between fear and hope, of which neither will survive. I look into your soul and find confusion amongst so many other things.

I have seen too much, now I know too much. I never wished to know this, I was happy with my ignorance and bliss. I close my eyes, hoping that it will free me from you. If I can't see you I can't feel your sorrow, your pain, I can't witness your torment. It doesn’t work that way, it is all still there, you are still there. I can feel it all eating away at me.

I open my eyes and look back at you. I know what I must do, despite how I may hate it. I must accept you, I must understand you. I must acknowledge you. I acknowledge you, my reflection in the mirror.