but why should that surprise you?
you shattered the glass, all these pieces
cracked and scattered across the floor
                       isolated
from each other, it was just

safer that way.

no one could see the whole picture. every self
had its own world.

now you want to do the hard work
of putting yourself back together, and healing,
and being one person,
                                  out
where anyone can see

of course, your shard-selves are screaming,
and clawing, trying to break free,
because how dare you
how dare you

do you honestly expect to remain unscathed
in this world that’s only ever tolerated you
in slivers

 

(Editors’ Note: “yes, your reflection is screaming” is read by Matt Peters on the Uncanny Magazine Podcast, Episode 55A.)

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© 2023 Carlie St. George