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The Fountain of Truth 





words by AYla Baig




have you ever sat,

upon a fountain’s edge,

and stared beyond the spray,

the gleaming copper on ceramic,

and seen somebody in the pool?


did you question

who it was;

if it was someone you knew

or only

someone you wished to become?


did you trace the surface,

watch the ripples follow

your fingertip across their neck,

and slice their appearance in two?


did you prod your damp fingers

at the flesh on your cheeks,

pull and push and pull,

until you contorted their image

to your liking?



did they check the strands of hair,

hanging like vines behind your ears,

and fret over

the flecks of gold in your eyes,

or the roses on your cheeks?


did they lean their face close,

till your insecure nose 

pressed the surface,

lips drunk on vanity,

and forget?


have you ever sat,

upon a fountain’s edge,

and seen your reflection?