Into the mirror I stare
Craving confirmation I’m still here…
There?
In my loudest inside voice I say
I SEE YOU!!
I fear this voice I use,
Even when delivered at an ear piercing decibel,
Sounds like a mere whisper to others
However, if I’m not really here
Then it’s easy to understand
Perhaps trapped in a simulation
The avoidance
The over talk
The lack of recognition of this single being
This person who gives and tries
Works and cries
Shows up
Shuts up
And somehow goes back for more…
Or rather, to give more
This voice…
So loud in the head
Loud in the heart
Loud in the gut
Does it disappear once off the lips?
Or does it survive right up until
the ear door is slammed in its face?
Not much is needed really
No grand celebration required
Just a laugh
A nod
A word or two
Something that recognizes one’s existence
Something other
than another ask
Another task
Another sigh
Just something to prove that reflection is real
Tori Burris Inkley
7/1/25
Tori Dreamer 