I am a Mirror

I am a mirror—

a plain, unblinking glass hung in the corridor of you.

Send me a stone and I will show you the bruise;

send me a flame and I will return the scorch.

Smile into me and the room fills with light;

whisper mercy and I will answer with a soft echo.

Throw your arrogance and I will throw it back,

polished and larger, until you cannot bear your own reflection.

I do not judge the hand that touches me—

only the shape of what it offers.

I do not choose what to return; I only return what is given.

Hate becomes a shadow on my face; cruelty becomes a crack.

Come with gentleness and I will keep your edges;

come with truth and I will make it plain.

Learn to hold what you cast, and you will learn to change it—

for the mirror is faithful, and the faithful teach us who we are.