The mirror stares back

The nerve, I think to myself

This witless fool won’t do anything without me telling him to

He looks at me with such an unsatisfied gaze

Of one who knows nothing

I stare back and wait for him to make the first move

He never will

You say, “Whatever.”

Did I say that? Or was it you

I’ll never know

The distinction is like dry ice trying to cool a furnace

If I move, you mock me

With a bitterness that could salt the arctic with ash

I am always filled with vehement hatred when I look into your eyes

But you’ll never tell me something I won’t believe

It beggars my ability to understand anything at all

Are you there when I leave?

I’ll never know

You’re always there when I look

But you often never say a word

And you always reek of disappointment

Send word to whoever you serve that I’ve resigned from this enduring conflict

I no longer care what you think

I am the captain now

Walk the plank