I stare into the mirror. But really, I’m staring into the dark, swirling TV fuzz that is now my vision. I feel weighed down by this body, by life, by time.
Twenty years veered into the future. My present a daily reminder of each path whizzed by.
Disabled, wife, writer, mother- nothing bad, but a very different present than what I dreamed. Identities beyond my scope two decades ago.
I dreamed a dream once upon a time. Wooden planks beneath my feet, circling en pointe. Melodies ascending, floating from my mouth. Lights flaring, embracing my limber frame.
My neon brain flickers on and off, images etched in the effervescent glow.
I stand still, still staring into the mirror. Tears fall like pearls down my face.
My body rooted, unsure how this happened. Unsure how this life lost its glitter.
Unsure when potential stopped. Unsure when vivid, Technicolor dreams were replaced by hazy shadows.
Eyes closed, I take deep breaths.
I fall.
I open my eyes and stare wide-eyed into her face.
Youthful face.
Energetic face.
Face unencumbered by twenty years.
Blue-green eyes sparkling, envisioning her future.
I step into her existence and soar.
Imperfection 