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Girl In the Mirror
(a post-purge reflection)
by: Anonymous

I looked into the mirror today and what did I see?
A small fresh-faced Asian girl, looking back at me

I wonder if she ever knows that she is truly loved
That even if she forever punishes herself in the dogged pursuit of
Bodily perfection, freedom from sin, purity of soul
She'll never have to attain such elusive things to be beautiful and whole

In her current body just as it is and the expansive reaches of her mind
There's already so much beauty and preciousness for another to find
She's a lovely person worth knowing and a wonderful intellect
Capable of so much life and joy, and deserving of respect

In the throes of her depression I find her sad and glum
And I want to shake her and hug her at the same time, bring her out into the sun
I want her to stop her self-destructiveness, her desire to empty herself
I want her to know she must learn to nourish herself and keep the demons out
I want to give her an embrace that doesn't let go, and tell her I love her
so
So that her tears may never fall again and self-love she comes to know

©2002 Reprinted with Permission.

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