Mirror Mirror on the Wall

                                    

                                          
Mirrors are supposed to show our faces alone, but some of us are afraid to look into our own eyes in fear of seeing our hearts falling out of them.
​In the standing mirror in the clothing section of a store, a young child sees the diverse dresses and cartoon drawings displayed at the front. He gazes at all the clothing items awestruck, without a worry in his mind but joy and colours. If he only looked into his own wide, innocent eyes, they would see the seeds of dreams quietly growing, dreams to fulfil and build.
​In the school lavatory mirror, a girl washing her hands sees her friend waiting behind her back. She sees her friend raising an eyebrow and pulling childish faces when she notices being stared at. She sees the doors open and close as people come in and out. If she only looked straight ahead, she would see a flame of potential covered by shadows of insecurities. Only then would she see her gift and rise above her fears.
​In the reflecting glass of the classroom, a boy passing by sees himself and his friends laughing with arms on each other's shoulders. He sees the others shooting looks at them for their loud laughter, some in annoyance and some envious of their happiness.  If he only glanced at his own eyes, clouded by the stereotypes of tradition, he would see a desire begging and crawling to break out, regardless of frowns and sneers. Only then would he find the courage to set himself free.
​In the cold mirror of a hospital bathroom, a teenager sees the disturbing cleanliness supported by spotless tiles and folded curtains. They see their grey skin and blue veins wrapped loosely by a hospital gown. If they only looked at their face, they would see the sheer determination that has carried them this far and the flickering hope yet to be dimmed under the tired brows. Only then would they find the will to keep fighting.
​In the foggy bathroom mirror, a working woman getting ready for the day sees the saggy towel and running-out supplies. She sees the smudgy eyeliner on her eyelids, but if she only looked down a little, to her face, she would see the burdening responsibilities and anxieties hidden beneath masks and smiles. Only then would she remember to give her heart a chance for a brief bliss of relaxation.
​In the rear mirror of the car, a man sees the blur of vehicles and the restless traffic waiting impatiently just like him. He sees the perfectly cut bushes and neat pavements, parts of his planned and formal life. If he only looked a little nearer, he would see a man of adventure, with wishes tucked away for the sake of stable living. Only then would he let himself follow his forgotten and ignored dreams, even if it's just for a while.
​In the mirror decorated with stickers, a mother sees the unmade bed and scattered toys of her child. She sees the untouched belongings and the unfinished drawings lying around, the finished ones hanging messily on the wall. If she could only bring herself to meet her own eyes, she would see the unshed tears and trapped memories, to be remembered not with sorrow but with nostalgia and love. Only then could she begin her journey of healing.
​In the cracked mirror of a dimly lit childhood bedroom, a man with silver hair sees the faded wallpaper and dust-collecting furniture. He sees the empty bed and bare walls, along with the toys, photographs, and posters that used to be there. If he only looked further, he would see the abandoned paths and words left unsaid. Only then would he come to terms with the present and accept the regrets as a part of growth.
​If we only looked at our reflections, we would see not only our imperfect hearts but also our future awaiting us to find ourselves.
22nd August 2024, Thursday