Linda Post-Lucas, Deep Reflections

SHATTERED IMAGE

In the shards of mirror, I examine

(as through the lens of a microscope)

the anatomy of past lovers,

illustrations they left etched in my mind;

each full of color faded to pastels

with moments of brilliance

that surprise me in reflection.

This one, he said he liked my left foot

or perhaps it was the right;

the turn of ankle leading to shapely calf…

and the muscle and tissue clinging to the bone…

hardly romantic.

He said it was fit for a ruby slipper

or perhaps it was glass;

that image, the delicately crafted image

he created,

has been shattered.

All that remains in my memory

is the image of my left foot – or perhaps it’s the right –

cupped gently in his hands

as he whispers platitudes

and fairy tales

he never meant to live

with me.

Siobhan Johnson