She Practices Facing Herself

The mirror does not argue.

It reflects exactly what she has been taught to become.

One hand presses forward, testing the boundary.

The other reaches back, steadying the posture she knows will be approved.

Between them, the glass holds everything she is not allowed to say.

She studies her reflection for errors.

Fear passes for discipline.

Recognition arrives without relief.

This is how the lesson settles in:

you learn to correct yourself before anyone else has to.

Heather Lynn Donovan

Always by candlelight