My reflection in the mirror stares back at me. Eyes red. Face pale. The bags under my eyes are stained black. The mask has melted from the liquid emotion that had run from my eyes only minutes before. I stare, and I remind myself,
I'm okay
I wash my face
I'm okay
the water is cold
I'm okay
I dry my complexion
I'm okay
conceal the imperfections
I'm okay
lighten the eyes
I'm okay
pink to my cheeks
I'm okay
bronze the face,
I'm okay
always erase.
I'm okay
Once again my reflection in the mirror stares back at me. Eyes bright. Face of color. The bags under my eyes are erased. The mask is rebuilt, and there is no longer a trace of emotion. I stare, and I remind myself,
I'm okay.
