Reflections and Refractions

In the mirror’s gaze, a familiar face stares back,
etched with lines of stories untold,
eyes clouded with the fog of self-doubt.
You trace the contours of your own reflection,
seeing flaws magnified by introspection,
a portrait painted with the brush of insecurity,
each stroke a question of belonging.

Yet through another’s eyes, the image shifts,
the imperfections softened by distance.
They see strength in your silent resolve,
beauty in the scars you wear with grace.
Their gaze reframes your self-portrait,
highlighting the courage in your quiet steps,
the light that you often overlook within.

In quiet moments, shadows stretch long,
whispering fears of inadequacy,
casting doubt on the self you try to know.
You wrestle with the ghosts of perception,
seeking to reconcile the internal with the external,
wondering if the person you show the world
is merely a mask or an unpolished truth.

Yet, in the tapestry of human connection,
threads of perception weave intricate patterns.
Friends see colors you think are muted,
loved ones hear melodies you believe are silent.
Their reflections offer a mosaic of understanding,
a reminder that self-perception is but one lens,
and through others, a fuller picture emerges.

Beneath the surface of perception’s play,
lies the essence of who you truly are.
Beyond the mirrored glass and external gaze,
your identity pulses with quiet resilience.
Embrace the duality of seen and unseen,
for in the dance of perspectives, you find clarity,
a harmonious balance between self and other.