"Further
Reflections on the Mirror Stage" - Gregory de Rocher
It can happen
while we apply our favorite
mascara
or press our freshly-covered
lips
to that band of triple-folded
tissue.
And for others of us
while we shave stubbled
cheeks
or trim ragged beards.
Our eyes meet our eyes.
In that moment
brief but uncanny
we are face to face
with what allows us to see us
be,
mystified by our hidden
insides,
frozen by fear of its
inevitable loss,
and above all
hurried in our flight
to find another subject
upon which to fix our
startled gaze.