Manifestations

A poem by Shauna Coffey Cassidy, age 17, Loreto Abbey, Dalkey, Co Dublin

When I look in the mirror tonight,
I will love myself more.

I will no longer pick at my skin,
Nor pull back my lips to inspect off-white teeth.

When I spy my arms in the mirror,
Freckled and all too sun loved,
I will not cringe and avert my gaze.

As I lock eyes with my reflection
I’ll smile, rather than frown
And the tears will not well in my eyes.

When I look in the mirror tonight,
I will love myself more,
Else I’ll try again tomorrow.