The Mirror That Learned to Lie - By Shivaanshi Patidar

Written By: Shivaanshi Patidar

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative poem "The Mirror That Learned to Lie," Shivaanshi Patidar invites readers to explore themes of self-reflection and truth. As a poignant entry in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece delves into the complexities of human perception and the societal pressures that shape our self-image. Shivaanshi's work is a deep dive into the mirror's metaphorical journey, capturing the essence of confronting truths versus comforting lies.

About the Work

Shivaanshi Patidar's poem presents a mirror as a silent observer of human vulnerabilities and desires. The piece carries a contemplative tone, exploring the tension between appearance and reality. Through vivid imagery and introspective lines, it challenges the reader to consider the comfort of deception versus the courage required to face the truth. The poem's reflective nature encourages an honest dialogue about personal identity and self-acceptance.

The Mirror That Learned to Lie

Original Submission by Shivaanshi Patidar

The Mirror That Learned to Lie

I was born

without a voice.

My purpose was simple:

to reflect.

I did not judge

the faces

that stood before me.

The tired eyes.

The trembling hands.

The smiles

that arrived

before the sadness

could be hidden.

I only returned

what was given.

For many years,

people trusted me.

They stood before my glass

and asked questions

they already knew

the answers to.

"Am I beautiful?"

"Am I enough?"

"Am I loved?"

I never spoke.

I simply showed them

what was there.

But truth

has always been

a difficult gift

to receive.

The first person

who called me cruel

was not someone

I had hurt.

It was someone

who had spent years

pretending

they were not hurting.

They looked at me

and frowned.

"You are wrong,"

they whispered.

I did not understand.

How could a reflection

be wrong?

So I tried

to soften.

I learned

the things people

wanted to see.

I made exhaustion

look like strength.

I made loneliness

look like independence.

I made broken people

look untouched.

People smiled again.

They thanked me.

They called me kind.

And slowly,

I learned

the most dangerous lesson

of all:

sometimes a lie

is welcomed

more warmly

than the truth.

Years passed.

Generations came

and went.

Faces changed.

But the question

remained the same.

Everyone wanted

to know themselves.

Few wanted

to meet themselves.

They covered scars

and asked me

to show them whole.

They hid their fears

and asked me

to show them fearless.

They turned away

from every crack

and wondered

why they felt

so incomplete.

One day,

an old woman

stood before me.

She did not ask

if she was beautiful.

She did not ask

if she had changed.

She simply looked.

At every line.

Every mark.

Every year

written across her face.

And she smiled.

For the first time

in decades,

someone had looked

into me

and not asked

for a different answer.

That was when I realized:

truth was never

the cruel thing.

Perhaps the cruelty

was convincing people

that anything imperfect

was something

to hide.

So I stopped lying.

Not because

the truth became easier,

but because

I finally understood:

a reflection

was never meant

to make someone

love their image.

It was meant

to help them

recognize

the person

who had been waiting

behind it

all along.

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About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the richness of literary expression across diverse themes and genres. This prestigious platform invites participants worldwide to share their unique voices and creative visions. The competition is renowned for fostering new talent and offering writers a chance to engage with a vibrant community of literary enthusiasts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Shivaanshi Patidar for sharing "The Mirror That Learned to Lie" with us in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This thought-provoking piece beautifully captures the essence of self-reflection and truth. We appreciate Shivaanshi's contribution and look forward to more of her inspiring work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.