Week 30: Mirror -- Adams
Spigelbilder
By Margo Adams
Champlain Valley Union High School, Grade 11
The world was warm when wrapped and secure in my mother’s arms. A small beady-eyed creature rested before me clad in the same animal printed blanket that kept the chill from my tiny body. Maybe my mother cooed to me as she rocked me back and forth before the reflective surface. I saw myself being cuddled tenderly. My mind only knew of the love that guided my gentle descent in life.
The world was large as I tumbled and wormed my way across a carpeted floor. I reached for the mirror and I saw my life so grand before me. All of the points of light brightened the chubby face that I knew to be my own. Did I smile then? Only to show a few tiny teeth budding beyond my aching gums? I did not know nor did I care. I passed through the world with the simple bliss that all have. My mind knew only of the grandeur and vast world just waiting to be opened in my shaky steps down life.
The world was magical as I pranced before the glinting mirror. My mother had walked behind me until this point, holding my hand, but she left so quickly promising a return that never came. The fantasy of the world opened up then allowing me to run into the blissful ignorance of childhood. The dreams became a reality that softened the blow of the missing puzzle piece in my life. My mind forgot about hand that had held me up and allowed for the gentle wings to grow in my harsh slip through life.
The world was confined in my simple sketchbook when I picked up paper and pen. The mirror stood tall before me and gave me an object on my page. Its piercing points of light shined on my drawings as reality came crashing in. I painted the shores of my future full of the faulty angst in my heart. I looked out towards the gulls as they called me outwards towards sea. My wings were bound leaving me grounded until someone could save me. My mind knew only of hurt until you gripped my hand and fell through life with me.
The mirror was hidden behind the vines and leaves when we next peered in. You were there next to me when we smiled and let out bellowing laughter as we ran through the forests of life. Our wings were outstretched in the dappled sunlight. You saved me and I thank you. My mind knew only of light as we rested our feet in the cool sands before an ocean of experiences.
We fall still now with the mirror lying dauntingly at the end. Yet, we soar with weapons in hand, ready to take on the world.
