ο ναρκισσός και ο Έχο

[or "Narcissus & Ekho"] 

In every hideous mirror,
you see the trace of a face -
undefined,
so empty the light shines through it.
Your monster is never to blame.

To blame. To blame.

In every vacuous chamber,
you hear the rant of a demagogue -
undignified,
so empty the air dilutes it.
Your monster is never mistaken.

Mistaken. Mistaken.

In every broad grin,
your frightened child peers from inside a failed man -
uncontrollable,
so petulant that all values turn to nought.
Your monster is never worth less.

Worthless. Worthless.

In every secret moment,
you ponder on that false alter ego -
unprincipled,
so twisted as charlatans ever were.
Your monster is not guilty.

Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. 

(c) Andrew Halsall Smith, 2018