some days, the mirror is not kind to me.

some days mountains have erupted across my skin;

and the bags under my eyes are full to the  brim.

still, I ask myself,

I have lived great enough for two people,

and seen things both grand and small.

but most days , when my eyes wander

to the mirror who glaresback at me ferociously,

I fade away, like the stars when the sun comes to greet them.

someday, I will learn to rise.

          -Sarim Zafar