Mirrors

when I tell you he speaks unkindly about you

you don’t believe me—

think I’m the angry ex.

I get it.

he was kind to me too

when we still shared the same air

but his kindness is a mirror—

reflecting whatever stands before him.

step away

and it forgets you.

I’ve stood on the other side of that glass

watched him adjust the angle,

watched his voice lose its shine,

a loved one’s name

turned into something to laugh at.

I wish I’d never learned

what he could make of mine.

I wish someone had warned me—

pulled me aside.

I tried to hand you the truth

like something that could cut

but you raised your version of him

like a shield

so keep it—

the polished voice,

the practiced smile.

just remember:

reflections vanish

the moment you look away.