Mirror

Sometimes, 

When I look in the mirror,

I see a monster.

I see my messy hair,

my dead, hopeless eyes--

puffy from crying.

I see my bronze skin,

my sagging shoulders,

my dejected mouth--

unable to smile.

Other times,

When I look in the mirror,

I see me.

I see my freshly brushed hair,

my bright warm eyes--

open with curiosity.

I see my pretty Asian skin,

my confident shoulders,

my golden smile--

joyfully laughing.

And I know 

without a doubt

that I have always been this 

beautiful.