Glass Human

Class assignment: Poem in the style of Ilya Kaminsky

When she returns to sanctuary from the depths of hell
She walks past a version of herself
That only exists in the world of glass
One she turns into every day to create the perfect fade

There is snow in her skin and fear in her eyes
(Remember, you have to smile
No one will love you if you don't smile)
Outsiders need not know

Illusions are easily broken
(Play pretend, play pretend)
Take this to maintain it, they say
Hold tight to your only friend, your worst enemy

Come through the looking glass, be me
You can't be me
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
I'm sorry
Words echoed without a place for sound to reflect