Patricia Anne Fonseca Poet Free verse

Mirror

Are you the person
you see in the mirror,
or just the face
you’ve practiced wearing?

The glass is transparent,
yet only in fragments.
It shows the skin,
but never the void.

It reflects the smile
you learned to assemble,
the posture of someone
who you want others to see.

But where is the trembling
that hides behind your ribs?
Where do the unspoken words go
when no one is watching?

If the mirror could turn inward,
would it recognize you?
Or would it hesitate,
searching for the version
you keep hidden in daylight?

Maybe we are both
the reflection
and the distortion.

Maybe the self we chase
is a shadow
that slips through the glass
and waits for us
in the empty room behind our chest.

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Darlene De Beaulieu June 22, 2026 at 3:51 PM Hello Patricia Fonseca, Hi! The reelection you see in the mirror is you. It is not only your reflection , it is also your shadow. it goes where you go. Hugs. Darlene/ Patricia Anne Fonseca July 4, 2026 at 1:27 AM Hello! Thank you for reading my poem again, Darlene! Have a nice day ahead :) - Patricia F.

Sara Kendrick February 27, 2026 at 5:49 AM I like this one, Patricia. Within this 81-year-old person resides the little girl, the middle years girl who just enjoyed childhood, the teenager, the young bride, young mother, grandmother and great grandmother. A whole lifetime of living besides. So, I have no idea what the world sees except an old, worn-out woman. I see, feel and understand her in this worn-out state as well at least sometime understand. Thank you for sharing this one with us and making us stop and think. Sara K Patricia Anne Fonseca February 28, 2026 at 4:24 AM Thank you so much, Sara. Your reflection touched me deeply. It’s an honor that my poem resonated with someone who has lived so beautifully and fully. It’s really beautiful how we carry every age we’ve ever been within us. Thank you for sharing a piece of your lifetime with me and for seeing yourself in my words. Have a wonderful day ahead. - Patricia F.

Darlene De Beaulieu February 20, 2026 at 11:39 AM Hello Patricia, The person i see in the mirror is a reflection of me. it is my image. When i am speaking out loud to my reflection i sense she is talking to me. If the mirror were to turn inwards yes i think she can recognize me. Patricia have a nic e dcay . Hugs. /Darlene/ Darlene De Beaulieu February 22, 2026 at 11:16 AM Hello Patricia, Your welcome. It is nice to meet you. Yes I will be reading your poetry. I am having a nice day. i hope you are. Hugs. /Darlene/ Patricia Anne Fonseca February 20, 2026 at 8:32 PM Thank you so much, Darlene. That’s so kind and sweet of you. I appreciate you taking the time to read my poetry and share your reflections. Nice meeting you, too! Wishing you a lovely day as well. Hugs. :)

Darlene De Beaulieu February 20, 2026 at 4:25 AM Hello Patricia, Hi! So nice to meet you. I will be reading your poetry today. Have a nice day. Hugs. /Darlene/