Reflection

When the flakes of snow were falling like feathers from the sky, a queen sat at a window sewing, and the frame of the window was made of black ebony. And whilst she was sewing and looking out of the window at the snow, she pricked her finger with the needle, and three drops of blood fell upon the snow. – From “Snow White”, by the Brothers Grimm

She catches a glimpse of her face in the dark window.
and her beauty astounds her.
She is struck by her own perfection.
And in that moment of joy,
it seems she has it all–
A warm and beautiful home full of luxurious
upholstered furniture and priceless tapestries on the walls;
A devoted husband who adores her beauty
and fiercely protects her;
Faithful servants to meet her every need;
And time to sit quietly and stitch a counterpane.

But it’s not enough.

I want a beautiful daughter, she sighs.
Her hair as black as ebony,
her skin as white as snow,
her lips as red as blood.

This flawless child
will complete my perfect life.
She will reflect it all back to me
so then I can see it truly and
finally be truly grateful.

Yes, she nods back at her own image,
That is what I crave.

For then I would have nothing to fear.

Image: The Queen by Bess Livings