Staring into the mirror

As with any other morning

He does not recognize the face.

Circling his mind are her words. 

“That’s a lot of carbs!”

“That style is out. These are in.”

“I want you to be fashionable.”

Each comment chips at his mold

his carefully crafted identity.

“I’m trying to help!”

The clothe go first

Only the latest fashions now.

“I’ve done so much for you.”

Now go the muscles

Toned but not too big.

That wouldn’t be attractive either. 

“You should smile more!”

So go the teeth

Now pearly and perfectly straight.

“Don’t think like that.”

His brain reshapes

No longer his.

Not his body either. 

His nothing. 

Now looking in the mirror

The image vexes him

Escapes him

As he cannot name it.

A person’s essence remains

Though a Self is gone. 

Silence holds court.

He is finally what she wanted.

Out of the silence comes a faint echo

Sounding like, 

“You should…”