Glancing in the mirror

I am greeted by myself

A shiny smile replies in kind

The true measure of my wealth

No longer scared to catch my eye

Or seeking imagined flaws

Reflecting light, the child within

Is ushered from distant shores

Not taught to look admiringly

Don’t stare! A rule of thumb

Told that self-love is a vanity

Others happy if you’re glum

Shallowness, an issue

When meaning is skin deep

Buying into a youthful currency

Not yet awoken from their sleep

Layer upon layer discarded

Beliefs strewn across the desk

Unshackled from my comfort zone

The outlook picturesque

Naked, my favourite outfit

Clothed only by my skin

Seeing essence beyond the atoms

The ethereal glow within