Reflections of a truthful self

[plural]

reflections
a mere image
a wealth of information within

my reflection is never truly seen
others see what they wish
but that is not me
tis but what their eyes blinded by their own fears see

yet I too am blind
to mine own reflection
also blinded by fear
fear of what I may find there

refusing to look clearly
for my hidden demons dance freely
joyously
taunting me to see them
dancing in grim mockery with my skeletal armies

in my reflection
my deepest fears are written boldly across my chest
my strongest desires dangle in from of my face
daunting me
exasperating me
for my arms are tied
tied by my fears
unable to break free of these self-imposed sanctions
to reach for that which I crave

in my reflection
past loves
worn jaded necklaces dangle from my neck
a banner to suffering
an ode to misery
an invisible invitation to others
each daily encounter adding a bead to future necklaces

this jeweled crown upon my head
robbed time after time
each theft a life
each life a loved one departed

upon my hands
tarnished rings
each ring a life
a life taken before its light could fully shine

this noose hanging round my neck
grows ever tighter
as my days draw to an eternal close

I, a mere menagerie of these twisted reflections
carry on beneath this unbearable weight
entwined unknowingly with my reflection
unable to break free

for, in my reflection
I see nothing.