The Mirror Doesn’t Know Me

I stare at glass and see a lie—

A man who let his future die.

I wrecked the good, I burned the grace,

Now all I crave is one embrace.

I built my walls with youthful pride,

Now I can’t find the man inside.

My family sees a faded shell,

A name they know, but not too well.

I speak in tones that feel rehearsed,

Like echoes from a life reversed.

I smile in ways that don’t belong,

A mimic playing someone strong.

I miss the boy who used to dream,

Who saw the world in golden gleam.

I miss the man I tried to be—

Before the cracks became the me.

So if you see me, look again—

Past broken skin and phantom grin.

I’m still a soul, still trying to be—

The man the mirror doesn’t see.