《When the Mirror Broke》

You said, “Can you hear me?” I said, “Yeah.” Then I made it about me again. When the mirror broke, you were standing there. I was on my knees, tryna fix my face. You said, “I hurt too.” I said, “Don’t leave.” You were right beside me. I couldn’t see. No more echoes. Say what you mean. You don’t gotta sound like a part of me. When the mirror broke, you were standing there. For the first time, I saw you there. Two a.m., blue light, you sent my favorite song. Thought, “Nobody gets me.” Then you came along. You laughed at a bad joke. I felt ten feet tall. Started needing that look every time you’d call. Then a late reply put a hole in my chest. You said, “Long day.” I said, “Who you with?” You were losing sleep. I was keeping score. Called it missing you. Kept on asking for more. “Where you at?” “Are we good?” “Do you love me like you said you would?” Your phone lit up. Couldn’t let you rest. Made you prove your love when you had nothing left. You said, “That song’s too loud.” I heard, “I don’t love you now.” How’d I turn a different taste into someone taking my place? When the mirror broke, you were standing there. I was on my knees, tryna fix my face. You said, “I hurt too.” I said, “Don’t leave.” You were right beside me. I couldn’t see. No more echoes. Say what you mean. You don’t gotta sound like a part of me. When the mirror broke, you were standing there. For the first time, I saw you there. You laugh too loud at some dumb TV. You got your own plans. Some don’t have me. You get worn out. You need your space. I took every closed door like a slap in the face. You said, “Don’t hold me. I need a minute.” My hand stopped short. Had to sit there with it. Wanted you close. Had to let you choose. Couldn’t make my fear another job for you. I kept every favor in the back of my mind. Said, “After all I’ve done,” like I bought your time. You went quiet. I called you cold. You’d been saying “I’m tired” for a month or so. Still check my phone. Still hate that ache. Still type three lines, then hit erase. But you went out. I let you be. Didn’t make your good night an apology. You asked, “What if I’m not who you thought?” I had no answer. Just sat with what I’d lost. Then you started talking about your day. I almost cut you off. I let you say it. When the mirror broke, you were standing there. I left my reflection lying where it fell. You said, “I hurt too.” I let the silence breathe. Didn’t ask you to take care of me. No more echoes. Say what you mean. Even when it ain’t what I wanna hear. When the mirror broke, you were standing there. I put down my phone. Pulled up a chair. You don’t play that old song now. I still do. You put something else on. I listened with you.