Me

I look into the mirror
Deep and long
And pass my judgement:
On the way she looks,
On what she likes,
And on what she doesn't,
On her habits and her words.
I am not kind,
And do not cloak my words.
And I hurt her.

And though each time,
Her eyes reveal her despair,
she says not a word in protest,
but goes on.
Hope, I know is her only defense
And one which never fails her.

And each time she triumphs.
Perhaps she knows it not;
But I see clearly each step she takes.
I see her smile, hear her laughter
Ring out more confident and true.
And I know that I lose, one more time.
Yet, I grieve not.