the child in the mirror

the child in the mirror

the child adores its reflection,
which offers it some protection
from the busy world of adult-
-hood, where everyone has settled
for less than was promised.
they tell it to be an optimist
but kick it at each chance.
they spy, they wait, they pounce.
and so this child finds
peace - something that missed the minds
of its creators - in a broken mirror.
it’s clear what is happening here.