Sunshine's Reflection

By Rida Sayyed

I’ll keep you in the dark

to save you from guilt and regret.

I’ll keep you in the dark

so that you’ll see me

as that same little girl,

and I’m sorry I disappeared.

I couldn’t think of anything else.

Even after giving my best,

it never felt like enough.

Everything was fated

to make me stronger.

"Stronger? Have I become stronger?"

the little girl in the mirror asked.

No,

I still feel hurt

when they turn their backs,

when they doubt my intentions,

even when I think of their better.

A tear leaked from her eye,

the girl in the mirror,

known as sunshine.

She asked me,

"How did you end up in such a mess?"

I couldn’t answer.

I just dragged my eyes,

too sorry for the girl in the mirror

whose smile had vanished

as I degraded myself.

She laughed and said,

"You are so naive,

it’s like you read my mind."

Then she yelled,

"You should feel sorry for yourself, not me!"

I kept staring at her.

"You did become strong—

strong enough to make it this far,

strong enough not to let their words

stain your soul.

You tried your best,

and everything is going to be alright."*

I was too stunned to speak.

Tears pooled in my eyes

like water overflowing from a jug.

I sat and cried,

trying to calm my aching heart.

But I believe the girl in the mirror;

she’s too pure to lie.

By Rida Sayyed