When I look in the mirror

what do I see?

I see brown hair and hazel eyes,

I see a crooked smile,

freckles everywhere,

I see reasons people call me 'Katniss.'

 

But take all that away,

my physical appearance,

and what do I become?

I become an enthusiast.

 

Star Wars, Star Trek,

'geek chic,' right?

Wrong.

These stories help me grow,

become compassionate, understanding.

They made me who I am today.

 

But take that all away,

the things I like,

and what do I become?

I become a map of veins, muscles, and blood cells.

 

They work furiously to keep me alive,

healthy,

but even they can't always win the battle.

Viruses and infections-doubts-,

will triumph, but they can't win the war,

right?

 

Take all that away,

the cells working so hard to keep me healthy,

and what do I become?

I become a beating heart.

 

Pumping, striving, never giving up.

The rhythm is a cycle.

Breathe.

Move.

Smile.

Fear.

Act.

 

Take that away,

my beating heart,

and what do I become?

I become a soul.

 

Living,

vibrant,

translucent.

 

What no one can see,

what no one cares to see.

The struggles

hidden beneath fake smiles,

pretty lies.

All for the sake of sanity.

 

For the soul only shimmers

when times are darkest,

one cannot see without light,

no?

 

Some people let their lights flicker

and

die.

 

But

the soul can be rekindled.

Thought translucent, every being

needs their soul

to survive.

 

I have become this.

Flickering, but never fading.

Glowing, spreading the light,

never letting others

fade.