Inner Reflection

    There is a certain peace that dwells in a midnight wood. A tranquil solitude that envelops anyone who wanders the winding paths. It so happened upon that winter night these woods sought my curiosity. Obeying their whispers, I entered the forest. 

With each step the twisting trees persuaded my fears that they were merely haunted words. Painful words that should mean nothing, but somehow managed to weave their way around my heart. And I believed in them. Then came the tears. My eyes leaked delicate staines upon my ivory cheeks. Coping with the sins of others had long become unbearable. With my identity stolen, the only refuge was to flee. Not from the world but from myself.

      While persisting the winding path before me, I tumbled and slipped along the roots of hatred. The very path I'd been warned never to tread. 

As I traveled on, a rapturous moon unveiled the darkness. It cast eerie shadows across forgotten lands. 

I had never taken this path before.

This prompted my eager imagination to flourish with curiosity and terror. My mind filled with fanciful dreams that soon melted away at the sight of a lavish pavilion. Awestruck, I gaped in silence at the elegant monument. It gleamed white marble with long strands of ivy coiled around thick Corinthian columns. The burden of desire bid me enter. 

My darting eyes caressed the ambience of the room. Dead leaves lay scattered upon the floor while the faint essence of lilac lifted to my nostrils. Biblical murals painted three dimensional scenes on the dome, while intricate designs had been carved into the tiniest of crevices. Hypnotized, I stood memorizing my discovery. I had quickly forgotten the pain of the past and reveled in this newly found beauty. How could no one notice this wonder? Seclusion wrought it not, but rather its pureness concealed by the alloys of scoffers. Fascination gripped my soul until a faint glimmer tugged my strings of interest. I chanced destiny and moved towards the mysterious object. Rising curiosity burned until at last its secrecy was told. Why, it was nothing but a mirror! A solitary ornament that lied not. However, this once vivid attraction had been utterly lost in time. Vines twisted around the golden frame choking each uncanny reflection. Rust gnawed at the detailed metal work and a dusty film layered the glass. It looked as if it had once been beautiful. It looked as if it had once been held in the highest regard. Then the strangest feeling swept over me. I felt compassion for the mirror, and I wanted to restore it to its original splendor. I gingerly peeled the tangled brush away, revealing the tarnished framework. I scraped at the rust until it glistened gold. Then with the fringe of my nightgown, I erased the dust from the glass. 

“That’s better.” I whispered as I engrossed my eyes with mine on the opposite side of the crystal. 

Only we were not the same. 

My reflection showed class and grace. She was illuminated by the utmost beauty. The beauty I had always desired to be.

 I observed her perfect composure. She wore an elegant gown that complimented her complexion. Her flaxen hair fell naturally down her shoulders, and her face had been painted with a rosy finish. How I wanted to be her! I would give anything! My soul even! 

But the mirror loathed my preference. 

Decaying roots and brambles suddenly weaved their way around the mirror, destroying the beauty I had just uncovered. Depression cradled my emotions once more, and I stood defeated. Then those lethal words began seeping through the wind once more. Taunted shrieks of laughter pierced my senses.

“You ghost.”

“Pale freak.”

“The albino.”

I sobbed. Screamed. My hands frantically thrashed at the mirror. The thorns and dense brush tore my fragile fingers. Blood dripped, emitting tortured droplets of pain. 

Why was I not good enough for anyone? 

I was too different. Too pale. My blonde hair seemingly too ignorant. 

How hard was it to fit in? 

Different answers swirled around me, and I blamed it all on the looking glass. The mirror had lied to me and shattered my hopes. Even so, the mirror proceeded to piece back that which was broken. The shriveled twigs writhed, transforming and blossoming into a kaleidoscope of spring flowers. They accumulated in braids along the border, forming a radiant crown. I looked. This time though, my reflection was me. The plain, simple, ordinary me. Yet as I gazed, I began to see beauty in my reflection. One that I had never noticed. It was different though, because it wasn't outward but inward. 

I had been so foolish before. The mirror was no enemy! It had simply shown me what the world desired. 

At my understanding, a spontaneous blaze of light submerged the mirror. It glittered with power and glowed with enthrall brilliance. Brighter still brighter. Then ever so faintly, an angelic voice protruded which grew and crescendoed into the height of a thousand melodious tongues.

“Alecia.” They called.

“Yes?” My timid voice answered.

“Do not run from who you are. The world seeks perfection, but no one meets the standards. They try. Wish. Soon they whisk themselves away to devastation without knowing. Do not be captivated with such. Follow me. Let me show you your true purpose.” The richness of the herald's words carried immortal hope.

     Enticement beckoned, and I cautiously stepped into the mirrored world. Molten liquid conformed and solidified to the shape of my body. Fountains with shimmering shards gurgled to life while rainbows of endless prisms shot to the glassy sky. It surpassed all reality, except no fantasy could ever conjure what my eyes beheld. Only, I could not find any implication as to what was promised. 

    “Your purpose is for others.” The voice echoed directly. “You may have a choice. This world is a window to others. Stay and share your story with those who longingly peer in observation. Show them they are worthy of themselves. Or, you may continue in your life as a messenger. As a messenger you must tell others that they are worthy of themselves.”

Silence left me to decide, but the allotted time was not needed. With my answer in hand, leadership took control. I had known my purpose the entire time. It had just been lost in a sea of helplessness.

 My purpose is to prove to you that you are beautiful in every way. You are worthy of yourself. 

So now when an unfortunate unbeliever stares into a mirror, I am always on the opposing side pleading for them to listen to their inner reflection.