Girl before a Mirror

Hands reach toward the reflection — “Who are you? I want to know you.”

The reflection does not frighten. It is layered, alive, full of colour. As I am now — not whole, but real.

I am pregnant with a new self. Not bodily — but deep within, like spring, still hidden in the earth.

I no longer need approval. I no longer play at being needed.

I was a mother — and that matters. I was a wife — and that is precious. But now I am not a role. Now I am — myself.

I do not wait to be understood. I create because I cannot do otherwise. Because within me grows a woman who is not afraid to be herself — for her own sake.

I no longer belong to the old version of myself. I thank her — and let her go.

I move forward.