(Poetry prompt)

This poem explores the darker side of hope:
the way the desire to win, the fear of losing, and the illusion of the “easy path” can sometimes pull us away from reality.

After a personal misadventure, I found myself wondering:

What if some forms of hope distance us from reality
while giving us the feeling that we are moving forward?

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The Dark Side of Hope

Sweet feeling, passion, devotion.
Heartbeats rushing, a source of motivation.
Against my reason, you always seem right.
Gentle, seductive—oh sweet poison.

You encourage me, filling me with emotion.
In the face of fear, you make your intrusion.
You silence my doubts without permission.
My heart trembles, carried by your sensation.

Oh old fox, deceiver on a mission.
A wolf’s heart beneath the skin of a lamb.
Beautiful promises, beautiful expectations—
leading me toward my own destruction.

If fear blinds our vision,
you push us toward reckless decisions.
You and fear alike, kings of disappointment—
throwing logic and reason into prison.

Dreams and riches, paths toward ruin.
Manipulations, affection without foundation.
Oh hope, cradle of illusions…
A great elevation—only for a cleaner execution.

You encourage me only to leave me abandoned.
You laugh at the table of my condemnation.
Feeding on my innocent intentions—
do you still believe in my healing?

But I rise again, far from your domination.
Your shadow fades outside my home.
I reclaim my heart, my path, my direction—
and your fall begins… the moment I find liberation.

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La Face Sombre de l’Espoir

Doux sentiment, passion, dévotion.
Des palpitations, source de motivation.
De ma raison, tu as raison.
Caressant, séduisant, ô doux poison.

Tu m’encourages, tu m’emplis d’émotion.
Face à ma peur, tu fais ton intrusion.
Tu chasses mes doutes, sans permission.
Mon cœur sursaute, porté par tes frissons.

Ô vieux renard, trompeur en mission.
Cœur de loup sous la peau d’un mouton.
Belles promesses, belles expectations —
Tu m’entraînes vers ma propre destruction.

Si la peur nous bloque la vision,
Toi, tu pousses toujours à la précipitation.
Toi comme lui, des rois de la déception —
La logique, la raison… vous jetez en prison.

Rêves et richesses, conduits à la perdition.
Manipulations, affections sans fondation.
Ô espoir, berceau d’illusions…
Grande élévation — pour mieux la décapitation.

Tu m’encourages pour mieux me laisser dans l’abandon.
Tu ricanes à la table de ma condamnation.
Profiteur de mes innocentes intentions,
Crois-tu encore à ma guérison ?

Je me relève, loin de ta domination.
Ton ombre s’éteint, hors de ma maison.
Je reprends mon cœur, ma route, ma direction —
Et ta chute commence… au moment de ma libération.

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Mirror question:

Have you ever held onto a hope so tightly that it slowly pulled you away from reality?

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Author’s Note

Here’s the funny story.

This poem was born from a basketball bet.

I had the right players, the right picks, and logic on my side. And yet… fear convinced me to abandon them for a “safer” choice. A decision driven by the hope of winning without too much difficulty.

In the end, I lost.
And the very players I had abandoned ended up winning.

I was so angry. I should have won. In that moment, I wanted to hit something, so I poured all that frustration into the hope of winning I had been holding onto.

This is a poem about that moment when you realize that hope is not always a light sometimes, it can also be poison.

, special tag.

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

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I. STRUCTURAL RISK

When Attachment Begins to Fear Loss

Love often brings something quiet but powerful with it:

the fear of losing what has become meaningful.

When someone becomes emotionally significant in your life, your mind begins to integrate them into its sense of stability. Their presence contributes to comfort, identity, and emotional security.

Jealousy often appears when that bond seems threatened.

Sometimes the threat is real.
Sometimes it exists only in imagination.

But the emotional reaction can appear just as strongly.

Jealousy is therefore not always irrational.

It is often the mind anticipating loss before it occurs.

The structural risk emerges when this instinct begins to guide behavior without reflection.

Attachment creates sensitivity.
Trust must regulate it.

Without regulation, the instinct to protect the bond can slowly become pressure on the relationship.

II. MECHANISM

How Jealousy Activates the System

Jealousy rarely appears as a single emotion.

It follows a progression.

1️⃣ Attachment → Perceived Threat

The stronger the emotional attachment, the more sensitive the mind becomes to potential disruption.

Small signals may trigger concern:

• attention directed elsewhere
• ambiguous behavior
• imagined comparison

The emotional system becomes alert to protect the bond.

2️⃣ Threat → Emotional Activation

Once the mind perceives risk, the nervous system reacts quickly.

Common reactions include:

• suspicion
• anxiety
• vigilance
• comparison with others

These responses arise automatically because attachment increases emotional sensitivity.

Read more

When I first started taking an interest in love, this was a theme that kept coming up. And over time, one idea became clear: to love is also to fear losing.

When you become attached, you don’t want to share. That’s natural.

Across the ages, many have presented jealousy as a proof of love. After all, losing someone you love—especially to another person—is deeply painful.

But others argue the opposite. That jealousy is not a sign of love… but a manifestation of insecurity, even a sense of inferiority.

Can we really speak of healthy love when someone suffocates another in a relationship out of jealousy?
Is love about controlling the other?
Watching their every move?
Or even, in some cases, crossing the line into violence?

In his book How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie mentioned an important principle for building a long and happy home: “Let love be, and let live.”

Love seems to be built on trust. Nevertheless, that trust does not necessarily remove doubt.

At times, the two coexist.

What matters is knowing how to control and regulate our emotions—to trust while carrying our doubts without letting them dominate us—especially in the absence of solid evidence.

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One day, I decided to ask my ex-girlfriend what she liked or didn’t like about me.

Very often, we begin to get used to each other. We get carried away by routine. And without realizing it, we may start neglecting the other.

Taking a moment to reflect on the relationship together can help prevent that kind of neglect.

She answered:

“One of the things I like about you is that you’re not jealous.”

At those words, I was stunned.

“What? What made you think that?” I asked her.

“Well, you never try to control me, you don’t watch me too closely, you trust me, you don’t accuse me too quickly…” she said.

“Would you have liked me to do those things?” I asked.

“No, no. I don’t like that. That’s why I like this part of you,” she replied.

So I took a breath and paused for a moment.

“I understand,” I told her, “but you’re wrong about one thing about me… I am very jealous. Really very jealous,” I admitted.

She didn’t really seem to believe me.

And yet, it’s the truth. I am a jealous man. I’ve simply learned not to let that feeling dictate my actions.

After my confession, I explained to her—exaggerating my point a little:

“I’m jealous, sometimes even of the breeze that touches your skin. But I know you’re with me because you chose to be. I didn’t make you grand promises, and I didn’t threaten you either. You chose to be with me. And as long as you keep making that choice, I have no reason to feel threatened or in competition with others.”

When I saw her posting pictures of other men on her status, I would calmly text her to ask who they were.

Cousins or friends, she would sometimes say.

So I told her I didn’t like that. And when it started turning into endless back-and-forth, I liked to pose this question:

“How would you feel if you saw me posting pictures of other women on my status? Would you be okay with that?”

I never blamed her, but I showed her what I didn’t like and what I would have preferred her not to do. No accusations, no unnecessary confrontation.

Did I fully believe her?

The truth: never.

However, I had no proof that what she was telling me was either true or false. And without proof, a clumsy reaction could do far more harm than good.

I didn’t try to control her or monitor her every move. I learned early on that you can’t control another human being. And when you watch someone too closely, you can end up provoking exactly what you were trying to avoid.

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Jealousy does not always come from insecurity or a sense of inferiority.
It can also be a sign that what we are experiencing is valuable. It can suggest that we do not want to lose the connection we share with a particular person.

Wanting to protect someone you love from others remains a deeply human reaction.

In Haiti, there is a proverb that says: “Depi ou gen mayi nan solèy, se pou ou veye poul.”
In other words, when something matters to you, you take care of it.

It then becomes understandable to want to mark your territory.

I grew up in a community that looked down on jealous men. People often said: a real man is never jealous.

At one point, I wanted to live up to that image. I tried to deny that part of myself. Then I realized that some of us are simply wired that way.

I don’t think jealousy is good or bad. But it can be a signal. Nevertheless, it should never control us to the point of making us suffocating, violent, or spiteful.

If my instinct tells me something is going on, I don’t rush to react. I take the time to understand, to verify, before making any decision.

I can feel jealous even about the way my partner dresses to go out, or who she spends her time with. So be it if that is seen as insecurity.

But I always make an effort to control how I express myself, to regulate my reactions, and the way I set my boundaries.

I often remind myself that there is a difference between being jealous and being toxic.

Jealousy, to me, is a sign that I don’t want to lose you. However, I refuse to let that jealousy push me to control you, monitor you, or prevent you from living your life.

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Mini Clarity Guide — When Jealousy Appears

• Accept the feeling without rushing to act.
  Jealousy can exist without needing to take control.

• Avoid turning emotion into control.
  Trying to monitor or restrict the other often erodes trust… and creates distance.

• Choose dialogue over reaction.
  When something feels off, speak calmly before assuming or acting.

• Pause before responding.
  An instinct is not a conclusion. Understanding takes time.

• Protect the bond, not your impulse.
  What you do in the moment can either preserve the connection… or quietly weaken it.

• Recognize the signal.
  Jealousy may be natural. What matters is the direction you give it.

For a deeper look into how jealousy forms—and what it becomes when left unchecked, The Evening Mirror:
Jealousy — The Tension Between Attachment and Trust will be available to paid subscribers tomorrow.

🪞 Mirror Question:

When jealousy appears, do you let it guide your actions… or do you take the time to understand what it’s trying to protect?

Leave a comment

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Your support keeps it alive…with more freedom.

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

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I am like water,

Calm at the surface, deep below,
Without a fixed form, gentle as a lamb,
A divine essence, an enduring grace.

I am like water,
At times clouded, at times clear,
Forever flowing like a stream,
Living fully, even the fleeting.

I, the water; the world, the ships,
Thousands faces, thousands beliefs.
I hold my peace through all of it,
Open, yet clear in my understanding.

My life, a mirror of water,
My words, drops that echo,
At times to blur, at times to reveal,
In lightness, in intensity.

I am like water,
Gentle at rest,
Yet fierce as a raging storm
When my boundaries are crossed.

I am like water,
A source of life or ruin.
Flowing through endless channels,
My essence never tamed.

Like water, I too can be contained,
So long as pathways let me flow—
As long as space remains within
For me to move and to express.

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, I added the french version as promised, brother.

Je suis comme l’eau

Je suis comme l’eau,
Surface calme, grande profondeur.
Sans forme fixe, humble comme l’agneau,
Essence divine, éternel honneur.

Je suis comme l’eau,
Souvent trouble, parfois clair,
Toujours en mouvement, tel un ruisseau,
Je vis pleinement, même l’éphémère.

Moi, l’eau ; le monde, les vaisseaux,
Mille visages, mille convictions.
Je garde ma paix à tous niveaux,
Tolérant, lucide en compréhension.

Ma vie, un miroir d’eau,
Mes mots, gouttes aux échos :
Parfois salir, parfois éclairer,
Dans la légèreté, dans l’intensité.

Je suis comme l’eau,
Inoffensif au repos,
Mais féroce, comme une tempête déchaînée,
Quand mes limites sont violées.

Je suis comme l’eau,
Source de vie ou calamité.
Je parcours tant de canaux,
Mon essence, jamais domptée.

Je peux, tout comme l’eau,
Me laisser barricader,
Si des passages pour mes flots
Me laissent libre de m’exprimer.

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Reflection:

It is important to know what we want in life. It is normal to have expectations. But it is even more important to know who we are.

Very often, we condition our peace and our happiness. We think that in order to finally enjoy life, we need to have this or that: money, a beautiful family, a nice house, living with our parents, being able to entertain ourselves...

What happens when some or none of these conditions are met? Should we then accept a life of unhappiness?

This is the difference between ice and water.

Ice takes on a fixed shape, and it struggles to adapt. Some forms are simply incompatible with it. With an ice mindset, peace becomes difficult, even impossible. If someone builds their happiness on money, would they still be happy without it?

Water is different. Water does not have a fixed shape, but it has its own nature. No matter the form, it keeps its essence.

If you pour regular water into an empty vodka bottle, does it become vodka by default?

And yet, the water will perfectly take the shape of the bottle while still remaining water.

“I am like water” is a poem about our ability to adapt to any situation without losing who we are. I always come back to this idea: “Life is about living.”

No matter the situation I find myself in, I always find a way to live, to smile, and to enjoy myself.

Mirror question:

What would it look like to adapt… without losing yourself?

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Your support keeps it alive…with more freedom.

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

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I. STRUCTURAL RISK

When Hurt Seeks Balance

When someone hurts you, a powerful impulse often appears.

The desire to return the pain.

This reaction is deeply human.

Psychologically, the mind seeks equilibrium when it perceives injustice. When harm is received, retaliation can momentarily feel like balance.

For a brief moment, it creates the illusion that fairness has been restored.

But this mechanism carries a hidden danger. Retaliation rarely repairs the original injury.

It simply multiplies it.

Pain answered with pain does not restore equilibrium. It replaces cooperation with confrontation.

What begins as an attempt to restore balance can quietly become the beginning of escalation.

Without reflection, hurt transforms into strategy. And relationships organized around strategy gradually lose emotional safety.

II. MECHANISM

How Retaliation Installs Itself

Retaliation rarely appears instantly as hostility.
It usually develops through a sequence.

1️⃣ Hurt → Instinctive Reaction

Emotional pain activates protective responses.

Common reactions include:

• anger
• withdrawal
• accusation
• retaliation

These reactions often appear quickly because vulnerability feels threatening.

The psyche seeks to protect itself.

2️⃣ Pain → Desire to Teach a Lesson

When someone disappoints you, another impulse may appear.

The desire to make them understand your pain.

Instead of asking:

“How do we repair this moment?”

the internal question becomes:

“How do I make them feel what I felt?”

This shift transforms the relationship.

Repair is replaced by instruction through suffering.

Read more

And when that shift happens, something deeply human takes over. It becomes almost natural to want to hurt back when you’ve been hurt. It can even feel like justice… like balance has been restored.

Very often, after a disagreement, we feel the urge to teach a lesson. When the other person sets a boundary, refuses something, or does something we don’t like, there’s a natural impulse to return the pain. But most of the time, this only creates more distance instead of repair.

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A close friend of mine at work recently met a remarkable young woman on TikTok. At first, it was just something casual—just passing time. But as they kept talking, he became more and more interested in getting to know her. She was honest, kind, ambitious… the kind of woman who seems grounded and clear-minded.

Not long after meeting on TikTok, they moved their conversations to WhatsApp. He even began considering the idea of starting a relationship with her. Everything seemed to be going well—until she started posting very provocative images of herself on her status.

My friend is calm, observant, and direct in how he communicates. He chose to address the situation openly with her. He told her that he didn’t feel comfortable with it—without aggression, and without trying to impose himself.

Fortunately for my friend, she was thoughtful. She understood his perspective and chose, on her own, to remove the images from her status. At least, he no longer saw them.

This made me realize that, in a relationship, good communication is grounded in honesty. And perhaps also in the ability to respect individual freedom. Each person has the right to express themselves, while still allowing the other the freedom to choose their response.

Just as my friend can tell this young woman what he doesn’t like, she can do the same—while giving herself the same freedom to decide whether or not to change, in good faith.

After that, things were going well between them. Then, a few days later, she called him during work hours. She asked for his help to win a game on TikTok.

He’s not a big fan of social media, nor is he someone who likes to show off. He enjoys helping, but not in front of a large audience. When he told me about the situation, I simply asked him:
“What are you going to do?”

He decided to help her. But he also explained that he doesn’t enjoy that kind of activity. He prefers helping in a more personal way—not on TikTok. Especially since, in these kinds of games, the organizers often benefit more than the participants.

Two days later, she reached out again, asking for his help. This time, he said no. She tried to pressure him, but he stood his ground.

It’s one of his personal principles: he doesn’t help publicly. Public displays tend to attract too many vultures.

And a few minutes later, she posted provocative images of herself on her status again—some even more provocative than before.

When I heard about it, I said, “Interesting.”
But my face was clearly saying: “That’s a bad sign, my friend.”

Even though she didn’t openly try to discuss it, her indirect reaction seemed meant to provoke him.

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When my friend tried to confront the young woman about her behavior, she ignored his messages for days. At that point, he decided to stop insisting.

He couldn’t help but think that because he had set a boundary, she chose to do something she knew he wouldn’t like.

When pain becomes a strategy, the relationship stops being a connection… and turns into a battleground.

Mini Clarity Guide — When Limits Appear

• Respect the other’s limits.
  Forcing change creates tension… and often, silent rebellion.

• Understand before reacting.
  A limit is not always rejection. Sometimes, it’s protection.

• Stay consistent in your behavior.
  Respect, attention, and calm presence create more change than pressure ever will.

• Let change come freely.
  What is given voluntarily strengthens the bond.
  What is forced weakens it.

• Know when to leave.
  If a limit goes beyond what you can accept, walking away is clarity—not failure.

• Never respond with emotional retaliation.
  Punishment destroys safety.
  And without safety, no relationship can grow.

For a deeper understanding of this dynamic, The Evening Mirror:

Retaliation — When Pain Becomes Strategy will be available to paid subscribers tomorrow.

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🪞 Mirror Question

When you’re hurt, do you express it… or do you try to make the other person feel it?

Leave a comment

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Free subscribers receive each new reflection.

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You can also leave a tip to support the journey.

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Your support keeps it alive…with more freedom.

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

Physically, I can say I’m doing okay, still dealing with the same health issues and ongoing dental work.

The real battle, however, was mental. I made some poor choices that cost me a lot of money, right when I needed it most (haha). Honestly, I’m not afraid of losing, but I have to admit it’s always tough to watch hard-earned money vanish because of a single decision.

But I’m still breathing. And as my grandma used to say during difficult times:

This month brought some good things too.

First, I got my first two paid subscribers. I’m truly grateful, and I have to say, it caught me by surprise. It’s crazy how the things we hope for often happen when we least expect them. I spent so much time reworking my main content and texts, yet my support came through a small series of poems I wrote—a direct confrontation with my heart.

Also, even if only for a brief moment, I rose to the 39th “Rising” position in Literature. That cleared up a lot of false beliefs I had about how to make it into the rankings.

Right now, I’m running some experiments to try and understand the mechanics behind it—or at least get a clearer idea. There’s still a lot I don’t know about how it all works, but I’m certain none of this would have been possible without the support of each and every one of you. Please know how much I appreciate it.

For the month ahead, my goal is to continue serving you and to grow alongside you. Writing has become more than just a passion; it has become my way of breathing and existing freely. Your support is a precious resource.

I’m currently working on how to use images to clarify an idea. It’s an interesting project, and I plan to turn it into a short, downloadable PDF that will be accessible to everyone.

That’s what’s been happening behind the scenes in April.

Now, let’s move on to the recommendations:

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He’s someone whose way with words I’ve always admired. I discovered him through a collaboration organized by Amit, and I recently had the chance to work with him. He’s a fascinating person, and his writing—whether about music or personal reflections—is genuinely powerful. Sometimes it makes you smile, but more often… it touches you, like looking at yourself in a mirror.

Gary L Taylor

Decent music reviews & average poetry.

A true storyteller. He often uses nature as a metaphor to guide us into a deeper exploration of our shared human experience. He gives a voice to mushrooms, and in his recent piece, The Green Room, he reminds us of what truly matters in life. It’s a meaningful journey.

The Quantum Quill

Quantum Quill Blog - I do Mini painting, TTRPG Content, Video tutorials, as well as solo RPGs and discuss creativity and how we can use it to inspire ourselves and others. I hope that the content I make can prove to be insightful and entertaining.

When it comes to exploring human nature, she does it with courage. Her writing focuses on inner healing. Writing about personal trauma takes a lot of strength. Most of the time, our minds try to avoid what hurts us, so choosing to explore it through writing can feel like reliving those emotions all over again. Many do it well on Substack, but today I want to highlight someone whose courage I deeply admire.

imi

My writing blends philosophy and psychology with the language of memory through a storytelling voice, letting the mythic sit beside the personal and the philosophical beside the emotional.

A talented potter and a genuine supporter. His writing carries a quiet depth. It feels like an invitation to stillness and presence—like the shade of a large tree offering space to rest. Even hid comments reflect that same presence he brings into his work.

Mark Crutchfield

Writing from the moment before you have words. Poetry. Prose. And notes on why certain language lands in the body before the mind catches up.

He’s also someone whose way with words I’ve always appreciated. I discovered him through a chain of connections—someone mentioning someone, who led me to him. A multifaceted writer, moving between songs, scripts, essays, stories, and poetry, with a real sense of freedom in both style and tone. His work blends introspection, social observation, and the kind of humor you find in everyday moments. He engages, he supports, and he uplifts others.

Mack Devlin's Imperfect Speech

Welcome to Imperfect Speech. I write songs, scripts, essays, stories, and sometimes poems. I mostly try to explain the world to myself, and find the humor that lies in every day interactions. I am not one thing, and neither is my work.

She’s a multifaceted writer and creative strategist who helps writers move from feeling stuck to actually publishing, while building a sustainable online presence. She shares a lot of valuable resources. If you’re looking to build a strong and engaging Substack page, her work is worth exploring. She covers different aspects that can help you structure your writing and publication.

NP Fellow Become the CEO of Your Health

A mental health & functional medicine newsletter helping you build emotional regulation, mental clarity, and health ownership.

By Jess, The Creator 💅

If you want to grow your page, there are different approaches. One of them is the thoughtful use of Notes. This author shares practical ideas to stay motivated and keep the right mindset, while also showing how Notes can help increase your visibility. Useful insights that are worth exploring.

Escape the Cubicle

Regular insights & community support on how to "Escape the Cubicle" & build a freedom life by growing an audience on Substack and creating digital products. 💡

By Wes Pearce

I admire the boldness in her writing. Even though her style and world are very different from mine, her work inspires me and gives me the courage to show up more in my own writing. Some of her texts are very insightful, especially when it comes to freedom in relationships. There’s also a lot of humor. A talented writer who explores life and freedom.

Flying High in Appalachia

Hello everyone. I'm Fiona. I'm writing from somewhere past the moon, but still flying high in Appalachia.

By Fiona Bridges

I was drawn to his short Notes from the very first moment I came across them. And since then, I haven’t missed a single one. Words that give courage, that make you think, that push you to reflect on who you are and who you could become. Words that helped and motivated me at times when I felt a bit disconnected.

Priyanshu’s Substack

The Mind & Machine Journal - Thoughts on Psychology, Tech , Lifestyle, & Society.

By Priyanshu Jha

For the tenth spot, I hesitated between many names. Each of you deserves a place on this list, and it’s never easy to choose.

In the end, I decided to give it to someone special, who celebrated half a century of life last month:

If you enjoy immersive worlds and fantasy, there are many ways to tell a story. One of them is building a living world through serialized storytelling. She develops a rich universe around Caerwyn, blending poetry, mythology, and atmospheric narration. Her stories are guided by rhythm, emotion, and silence. And through The Caerwyn Chronicle, she also highlights the work of other talented creators on the platform.

A soul of gold.

Storm Whisperer

Lyrical, mythic fantasy shaped by silence, rhythm, and memory. The stories walk the knife-edge, where names carry weight, blades remember, and reckoning arrives quietly. This is Caerwyn, where prophecy whispers, and not all who vanish are lost.

They are excellent writers, but above all, wonderful people. I highly recommend visiting their pages and connecting with them.

Before I go, I want to give a few honorable mentions. These are the people who constantly support this space—the names that show up in my notifications again and again every time I post. They are excellent writers and poets, and as readers, they are just as precious. It’s a gift to have them by your side.

Once again, I want to thank you for the trust you place in me. I will continue to work and grow alongside you.

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I also want to take this moment to say that this publication was never meant to be carried by one person alone. I spent a full year working on it. I felt defeated more times than I can count, but I never gave up. For me, that is already a victory. I’m proud of what I’ve built so far—and even more of what I want to continue building.

That’s why I’m now looking for a partner. If you know how to write and enjoy it, that’s great. But even if you don’t write, there are still ways we can work together. Writing is important—it’s the core of this publication—but it’s not the only aspect.

What I’m really looking for is someone to build with, to help this space grow and connect with more people.

If this idea resonates with you, feel free to send me a message.

Until next month for new recommendations.

With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

Maybe it’s naïve.
I’ve been called that before.

And still…
there’s a part of me that holds on to the idea
that something softer could exist between us—
something closer to harmony.

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WHAT IF…

What if we could get along,
truly.
What if we could understand each other,
truly.

…What if we could fully see each other,
as if, all of a sudden,
there were no more secrets between us?

What if,
instead of staying
at opposite ends of the bridge,
we moved closer,
trying to meet in the middle?

What if you could see my pain—
would you understand me better?
And if I could see yours,
would I be more thoughtful?

What if we could listen—
really listen, without judging.
Listen to our emotions,
hear our intentions clearly…

What if I showed you my chaos,
would you ease some of my burdens?
And if I could see your mess,
would I dare to be more present, more grounded?

What if we lifted each other up,
celebrated each other’s victories,
patiently waiting our turn—
would there be more love between us?

What if we gave ourselves a chance—
would there be acceptance,
real consistency?
Would distrust fade,
or would trust break?

What if we opened our hearts,
set aside caution and fear,
and truly let ourselves be seen—
completely—
could we be happy,
like carefree children?

What if we allowed ourselves
to exist differently,
to live differently,
to see differently,
to feel differently—
could we coexist in peace,
within the same shared space?

What if we dared to look at the cracks,
the reasons behind our wounds,
to understand the wear and tear
before judging,
before condemning—
could we truly forgive?

What if we loved each other wildly,
shared everything—
would our lives be more beautiful,
richer, exceptional?
Would we recognize the blessing,
or fall into dissatisfaction?

What if we truly valued each other,
brought real presence
into both the light and heavy moments—
would life feel better?

What if we got along,
truly—if we listened,
if we saw each other,
if we understood,
if we forgave,
if we loved,
if we endured one another—

WOULD LIFE BE BETTER?

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

Read more

At first, I didn’t intend to write this observation. Throughout the previous sections, I’ve often mentioned the importance of conflicts, because they seem to be an effective way to get to know a person and understand their boundaries.

In reality, early conflicts in a relationship also help shape the bond and envision life together. While writing the 13th observation, it became obvious to me that I should write this one as well.

Before the Conflict Even Happens

I believe it’s important, just as you choose your habits at the start of a relationship, to establish a conflict management plan. And this should be done first on a personal level before being shared as a couple.

When you start seeing someone, it’s impossible not to get hurt at some point. There will inevitably be disagreements, sometimes intentional, sometimes unintentional.

Even in a couple, you are still yourself. And I will continue to defend the idea that you should choose someone with whom you feel completely free to be yourself, and to whom you grant the same privilege. You have your tastes, your strengths, and your flaws.

Everyone has their habits, their principles, their way of doing things, and their perception of things.

But let’s focus on you.

Knowing What You Will Not Bend On

You should clearly define what you dislike, what you can tolerate, and what is unforgivable for you in a relationship. You don’t need to define everything from the start, because every person is different and can bring different situations.

But you must know what you could not accept, despite all the love you hold in your heart.

For example, infidelity. That can be an unforgivable act.
Disrespect toward parents, humiliating or mistreating them, also.

I don’t require my partner to love my family, but at very least respecting them.

In a conflict management plan, those cases can be the gravest, the ones that would push you to abandon ship without hesitation.

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When Patterns Begin to Repeat

Once you’ve defined what is unforgivable, I apply what I call my “rule of three.”

If you offend me once, I tell you directly and sincerely. I hold no grudge.

The second time, I’ll become a bit more cautious, but I’ll forgive.

The third time, I tell you once more and I already start keeping my distance on that point.

It’s simple, but it requires real powers of observation, understanding, and adaptation.

For some people, certain things are habits. They’ve been doing them for so long that it’s become natural, like breathing. In that case, you need to know whether what bothers you is something deeply rooted in the other person. And then rely on your ability to tolerate.

For love, if you can bear it, then close your eyes from time to time. You can remind them of it, not as a reproach, but as a gentle remark.

When Habit Speaks Louder Than Intention

I remember someone getting angry with me because I used “b,” a diminutive of “bae” often when I texted her. She didn’t like being called that. Yet I was so used to the word that it came naturally to me, sometimes even before I realized it. She got upset about it often.

At one point, I explained that I wasn’t doing it on purpose. She understood. I made the effort to ensure it wouldn’t happen again, but when it did, it wasn’t a big deal anymore.

Not Every Hurt Comes From the Same Place

For the things where I apply the rule of three, everything depends on the person and the intention behind each fault. Some people hurt you simply because they don’t worry much about your feelings.

Others do it inadvertently, because what bothers you is part of them. It’s important to observe and learn to recognize these two types of people to apply the rule fairly.

When Boundaries Are Finally Spoken

Once your conflict management plan is established — what you will never forgive and how you handle other levels of disagreement — you need to share it with the other person.

A word that comes up often here: communication.

You should be able to clearly express what you will not tolerate in a relationship and what deeply displaces you. But above all, you must also listen to the other person’s limits. If you apply the rule of three, you’re not obliged to reveal it. You can keep it to yourself.

Learning Not to Judge Too Soon

In conflict management, we should also uphold values like tolerance. At the start of a relationship, it often feels like walking on eggshells. You do everything to avoid hurting the other person. But at that moment you don’t know each other well yet, so you might end up hurting each other unintentionally.

It’s like in the anecdote from the 12th observation, with the girl who expected me to ask how she was doing. In her view, I had made a mistake. For me, I hadn’t done anything wrong. She got upset and distance grew. Was that the best way to handle that disagreement? Maybe I would have answered differently before.

But as I grew, I understood this principle: you don’t condemn someone for a fault they weren’t aware of. You explain it to them first. If they continue, then they deserve the consequence. This principle also may be applied to romantic relationships.

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When Misunderstanding Meets Timing

A friend got mad at me because I took a while to respond to her messages. When I understood, I tried to explain that I was at work, but she had already fallen asleep. The next day, despite my apology, the complaints came back. I reminded her that we’d just met, that we still didn’t know each other very well. She was understanding, so it didn’t go far.

I told her: “We’ve just met; we don’t know many things about each other yet. Even if you do something that might make me angry, the first time I won’t be. I’ll simply tell you that I don’t like it. If you do it again, then I’ll probably be angry.”

Before Distance Settles Overnight

To conclude this observation, I’ll cite this Bible verse:

Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be angry, and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, nor give place to the devil.”

If you’re angry with your partner, don’t go to sleep without resolving the issue and finding peace. Don’t leave the room empty to temptations and to negative thoughts. That can be dangerous for the couple.

If it’s something unforgivable, then it’s over. But if it’s something you want to forgive, do it before you sleep. You can keep a small, calculated emotional distance to tease the other perhaps, but with love and tenderness.

Make sure the anger is dissipated and that you’re reconciled, even if there’s a little lingering soft distance between you before you sleep.

Mirror Question:

Do you enter relationships with a way to face conflict…
or do you discover your reactions only when it happens?

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If this resonates, tomorrow night the Evening Mirror explores the architecture behind it:
how conflict turns into patterns, and how a simple shift in structure can change the outcome.

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

A word left unsaid. A distance that lingers a little longer than before. Something small, almost invisible, that we learn to live around.

Until one day, we realize that we are no longer where we thought we were.

In this week’s Poem-Echo, doesn’t just write a text, she pulls us in that space: where love hasn’t disappeared, but something essential has.

I’ll leave you with the poem.

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No Amount of Love

It started with a tiny tear,
nothing noticeable at first,  
because we ignored it
thinking that it would go away.
 
Life went on as usual.
Our daily rhythm continued.
Ordinary days where life felt good,
with peace and laughter that came easy.
 
But as time passed
the same fight came back repeatedly,  
the tear becoming a bigger fissure.
After apologizing for my part in it
we fell back into a routine,
but with less laughter this time.
 
He became more quiet,
would talk to me less.
The disconnect was there,
silent ,yet stronger.
 
I thought I was doing something wrong,
so I gave more attention,
tried harder to connect.
But my efforts weren’t received with warmth.
 
The dance we did,
it was just the motions of
two who were bound to each other.
One trying to stitch the fissure,
hoping it would heal.
 
The chasm was so big,
an emptiness grew in that space.
Warmth now replaced by cold loneliness,
silence became my partner over time.
 
I asked for help,
to try to fix it,
but was told that marriage is like that.
We just have to stay together.
 
That dance became exhausting.
Eventually I became a shell of myself.
No laughter, just sadness and despair.
The connection we once had was no longer there.
 
The divide grew bigger,
feeling like we were on different planets.
I stayed to keep the vows,
but lost myself in the midst of it.
 
That divide left so much space,
I didn’t realize I was pushed aside.
I did what I was supposed to,
but it wasn’t what he wanted anymore.
 
Our structure was not sound,
I could feel it but felt stuck.
It’s like being in quicksand,
you leave one foot in and the rest of you sinks,
until you eventually drown.
 
It broke completely
when I  finally saw,
there was nothing I could do to make him want me more.
I wasn’t the same young woman anymore.
Loneliness in marriage is torture on a soul,
whose patience wore thin to the point of the tether snapping.
 
It became one-sided and that broke me.
I walked away when I saw
no amount of love could keep
an unsound structure whole.

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Mirror question:

Can love survive when only one person is holding the structure together?

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About the Author — Sattie R

Sattie R writes from a place of healing, presence, and quiet strength. Her writing reflects a personal journey—one that doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but chooses kindness, self-respect, and growth along the way.

Her words often return to what matters beneath the surface: letting go of wounds, setting boundaries, and learning to stand in your own wholeness, even when life feels uncertain.

She is also on the most supportive people I’ve known in Substack.

If you haven’t subscribed yet to her page, feel free to do it now and support her work.

Sattie R

I'm just a soul on her journey through this life, hoping to spread good, kindness, love and help with healing along the way.

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

Where do I even begin?
The blame, the accusations? No.
I no longer have the strength for that.
And I’m still too grateful to you for that…

You came into my life when I needed someone,
like rain saving travelers
dying of thirst in the desert.

Beautiful, independent, passionate, ambitious…
qualities that broke through
the defenses of my heart.

I didn’t know myself yet.
I wasn’t a man yet…
An immature heart, too agreeable, without real grounding.
You became my reason to be, my motivation, my vision…
Too much for you, I admit.
I understand why you left.

I already knew…
and so did my heart.
Our story was never meant to last forever.
I wasn’t yet the man you deserved.
I had accepted letting you go,
giving you back your freedom…

So tell me, my dear… why?
Why did you come back,
ask me to hold on again,
only to leave without a word?
My heart wants to know… why?

What wrong did I commit?
I’m no saint, I know that.
But your freedom—we gave it back to you…
So why return… only to leave again?

It’s not your departure
that hurts the most…
My heart and I—
we felt that coming.

I admit, I was angry
when I realized you were gone
without a single word…
It felt like betrayal.

But remembering one of my heroes,
my heart grew calm again…

No condemnation
without knowing your reasons.

Jury, judge, prosecutor…
my heart stands ready,
waiting only for you—the accused—
to deliver its verdict,
which may never come.

Know this: for you,
my heart holds no malice,
no ill intentions.
Only blessings are sent your way—
peace, prosperity, joy…

If one day you return,
I don’t think my heart will accept you.
Not for lack of love…
this old fool still carries
the weight of its affection for you.

But even so…
it will not open the door.

It has built, stone by stone,
a new reality—
a reality where you no longer exist…

Without your smile,
without your love,
without you.

And yet, be at peace:
you still live on the walls of my heart.
Like plaques of honor,
like faded medals
hanging on the walls of an old soldier…

You still shine.
A symbol of a glorious past.
A distant past.

Still… I would like to hear your voice
one last time…
to know if you are happy,
if life is kind to you…

if you are well, at least.

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Mirror Question:
When a relationship ends, do you try to understand… or do you look for someone to blame?

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Author’s Note:
This is one of the poems that weighed on me the most to write. Perhaps the truest in this series of laments to my heart.

There are people who pass through our lives and leave us carrying a strange mix of deep pain and beautiful, unsettling feelings. More often than not, we let anger blind us. But when we look more closely, we sometimes find a sense of gratitude in those departures—despite the pain—because they helped us grow into a more mature version of ourselves.

There are many ways to grieve a love that has passed.

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

Conflict is often perceived as the moment when relationships begin to break.

But psychologically, disagreement itself is rarely the true separator.

Two people inevitably bring into a relationship:

• different histories
• different emotional reflexes
• different sensitivities
• different expectations.

Friction is therefore not a malfunction of the bond.

It is the natural consequence of difference.

The real turning point appears after the conflict, during the moment that follows it.

This phase is known in relationship psychology as repair.

Healthy relationships are not those that avoid tension.

They are those that know how to repair rupture.

When repair fails, distance begins to grow.

II. MECHANISM — How Distance Installs Itself

1️⃣ Friction → Emotional Injury

Disagreement creates moments of emotional injury.

Words may land poorly.
Intentions may be misunderstood.
Sensitivity may be triggered.

The Haitian proverb captures this dynamic perfectly:

« Lang a Dan toujou mòde. »

Sometimes the teeth bite the tongue.

The pain is real.

Yet the tongue does not leave the mouth, and the teeth do not disappear.

They remain because they belong to the same system.

The injury itself does not destroy the structure.

What matters is what follows.

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In Haiti, there is a common saying used when loved ones clash:
“Lang a Dan toujou mòde”—
the tongue and the teeth always bite each other.

It also serves as a warning: never meddle in the affairs of those who love one another—families, couples—because the reality remains the same. Teeth often bite the tongue, and it hurts like hell.

But what happens next? Does the tongue leave the mouth when the teeth bite it? Does it stop cleaning and protecting the teeth?

The pain fades, and they continue to coexist as before. Perhaps even better; for if we understand the circumstances that led to the bite, we might avoid it in the future. Perhaps.

What I’m trying to say is that disagreements in a relationship are inevitable. At some point, you will do something that hurts the other, and vice versa. There will be disputes and conflicts, both large and small. Some may signal the end, while others do not.

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When Repair Is Offered… but Not Received

As Dale Carnegie once said: if you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically. And once you admit your mistake, it’s important to apologize.

A sincere apology is like throwing water on a fire. It is not an opportunity to shift blame—an error we make all too often.

When we apologize, we sometimes bring up the other person’s past mistakes, which only creates more tension.

If you ask for forgiveness, do it sincerely, without reproach. Simply own your mistake. That is the only way to move forward.

Usually, the apology itself isn’t the problem. It is the reaction to that sincerity that causes friction and, sometimes, resentment.

When Distance Becomes a Form of Response

Many believe that if they are wronged, they cannot simply forgive. They feel the need to punish, to make the other person suffer before accepting an apology, no matter how sincere it may be.

I am not against a little coldness. But you must know how to keep it in check. Too much coldness can push the other person away and turn their heart to ice.

When I do something wrong, once I realize it, I admit it and apologize immediately and sincerely. And I will certainly make the effort not to do it again.

But if the other person refuses to accept my apology and persists in neglecting me—remaining cold and distant—I might understand at first. But after a while, I adapt by becoming distant and cold myself.

A romantic relationship is not a competition. It is not a war. There should be no “If she hurts me, I must hurt her back.”

Staying… Without Closing the Door Completely

I know that some wrongs cannot be forgiven so easily. Sometimes, it takes time to reflect and process the mental or physical toll of certain actions.

Apologies, however heartfelt, cannot erase everything like magic.

Nonetheless, after a conflict or a fight, we are always faced with two choices: either we part ways, or we stay together.

And if you choose to stay in the relationship, even if you need time to process the apology and what happened, I believe it is vital to respond emotionally to their gesture.

I’m not saying you must welcome them back with open arms or shower them with love. But even within that emotional gap, try not to be too distant. What I mean is: don’t be excessively cold; don’t make it feel like a punishment.

You can show that you still care, despite what happened. You can maintain your distance while still looking out for them, rather than leaving them drowning in doubt and guilt. For if the distance is too vast and the coldness too bitter, it chills the heart, and love can be smothered.

When Effort Meets Silence

To build on the illustration from the 12th observation—the girl who got upset because I had simply greeted her back without asking how she was—the following day, I reached out thoughtfully and made sure to ask how her day was going.

Her response was cold and distant. I understood why, and at first, I accepted it. But as I tried to communicate, she kept building walls. There was a palpable distance, a total lack of interest, almost as if she were looking down on me.

In that moment, I felt like I was fawning over her, as if I were forcing her into a conversation she didn’t want to have. So, I stopped writing. She didn’t reach out for the rest of the day either.

That night, I messaged her again, checking in on her and her day. Nothing had changed: the same distance, the same coldness, blunt answers with no reciprocity. So, I simply wished her a good night.

The next day, I tried one more time. Same reaction. I asked if she was still upset about what had happened and apologized again, explaining that I hadn’t realized my mistake since we had only just met.

She told me she wasn’t. I didn’t believe her. I tried to break the ice regardless, but it was in vain. That is when I stopped.

Not Every Effort Should Be Pushed Further

It is often said that in a relationship, you must set your ego aside, accept the blame, and apologize for the sake of the bond—even when you’ve done nothing wrong.

Growing up, I believed deeply in this concept and followed it to the letter. It brought me nothing but suffering. When you deal with someone who doesn’t yet grasp the true meaning of a relationship and who is driven by pride, you end up losing their respect and being taken for granted.

Since then, I’ve decided not to repeat that mistake.

I still believe in the concept, but it must be applied with discernment. If you put your ego aside, own a fault, and apologize sincerely... and the other person refuses to see it, continuing to treat you with coldness, it is better to keep your distance too. For if you push too hard, you will lose your value, your respect, and your dignity.

When Distance Starts to Push Instead of Protect

After three days of my silence, she finally wrote to me, accusing me of never having been serious about her. I didn’t even deny it; to do so would have only sparked another argument. I simply told her that a relationship is built on good communication, tolerance, and understanding.

Emotional distance and coldness can eventually push the other person away. Depending on the gravity of the mistake, one must know how to measure that distance and not neglect the other person’s feelings if they are being sincere.

For instance, tell them: “I accept your apology, but I need some time to process all of this.”

Show them you are still invested. If they ask how you are, even if you don’t feel like sending long messages, at the very least include an “and you?” in your response.

If the fault wasn’t that serious, or if it was the first time, perhaps you could let it slide just this once and continue to nurture the relationship.

Because happiness is more important than pride.

Misplaced pride and miscalculated distance after a fight can be the real reason a potentially flourishing relationship falls apart.

We often speak of forgiveness after a conflict. But perhaps the real question lies elsewhere: what form does love take while we hesitate to reopen the door?

Mirror Questions:

Today, I leave you with these two questions:

After a conflict, do you prioritize observing your own reaction… or the other person’s?

And in the silence that follows, can the other person still feel that they matter?

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Tomorrow’s Evening Mirror focuses on the architecture of repair.
How small moments after conflict — an apology, a silence, a distance — can either restore the bond or slowly pull it apart. Not deeper, but clearer.

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

My dear, I cannot pretend to understand what you are feeling in this moment of loss. I can only try to imagine the depth of your pain. For there are some things in life we only truly understand once we have lived them ourselves.

These words are for you — and for anyone going through a difficult time right now.

I hope they can bring you a sense of comfort, even if only a little.

I BREATHE

A new day.
A new sun.
A heartbeat,
a quiet wink.
Cool air slipping into my lungs…

I breathe.

On sunny days,
on rainy days,

I breathe.

In the cold,
in the heat,
under tropical skies,

I breathe.

With good news,
in joy and triumph,

I breathe.

In disaster,
in defeat,
in disappointment,

I breathe.

Fortune smiles on me,
my plans unfold.
Health for me, my family, my friends.
A bit of luck in my bets.

I breathe.

In sickness,
in life’s low blows,
In bad luck,
in broken hopes,
When failure comes to collect,

I breathe.

Love leaves.
The heart breaks.
Grief pulls me into a dark abyss.
Tormenting memories.
A colorless life.

I breathe.

Death strikes,
and someone dear is gone.
In sadness,
in nostalgia,
in mourning,
When the past becomes a sharp pain,
When your absence drains the color from my life,

I breathe.

In the night,
in unconsciousness,
I breathe.

In new beginnings,
in passion,
I breathe.

When I am lost,
swallowed by confusion,
I breathe.

When I find myself again,
back on the right path,
I breathe.

To breathe is to hope.

In the exhale,
I let go.

In the inhale,
something new arrives.

Everything passes,
everything can change,
Like the air that comes and goes.

In the highs
and in the lows,

WE BREATHE.

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Author’s Note:
When I feel overwhelmed, at my lowest, I pause for a moment. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Then I whisper to myself, “Je respire.”

And very often, I feel a quiet sense of resilience rising within me. It reminds me that I am alive — and that alone is already a good reason to be grateful, and to keep moving forward.

Mirror Question:
When everything becomes unstable, what do you naturally return to?

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

Not the past. But the way we hold it.

This week’s Poem-Echo by lingers in that space— between regret and gratitude, between what we would soften… and what we would keep exactly as it is.

I’ll leave you with the poem.

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If we started out again,
what would I change?
To rebuild from the beginning
what would really need adjusting?
 
Is to say 'not much really'
too clichéd, too easy?
 
A blueprint, sketched-out
would only have the goal
of bringing us back to the now.
 
Perhaps the initial meetings,
could be less clandestine,
not dictated by worries of what 
people thought of the idea of 'us'
 
so soon after prior relationships
had reached their ends.
 
Just to sit easier with it,
in those early days,
and to ease a tightness of chest
brought from needing to stay shadowed.
 
If we started again, the blueprint
would direct me to sobriety sooner.
allowing me to show up more fully,
instead of governed by ghosts and spirits.
 
That in itself, would remove the only lies
spoken from what we have.
 
They were spoken by me.
Was I in meetings,
catching up with old friends?
 
Truth was, the only friends I was
meeting, were in cans and bottles,
often in dark places,
in more than one way.
 
So that’s a fix I’d make more readily,
erasing time where I was far from attentive.
Instead of having years rot away
as I lived in them, more attentive
 
to booze than to you.
 
Nearly bringing about our end,
alienating my family.
 
I’d like to attend the gigs and events
free from that. To take them in more,
rather than a constant back and forth to the bar.
 
Make those moments the truly
shared ones that they should be.
 
A restart, would allow me to paint over
that black, with colour.
 
I think that we’ve dealt with the unexpected well.
Nothing more so than being told
Neither of you can have kids,
only for pregnancy to bloom.
 
I’d love to ease the stress from that time.
Maybe not need to welcome our daughter,
change jobs and buy a house
within six months….
 
….whilst battling the worst of my addiction.
 
I would love to give it all more space
to breathe so there was more enjoyment
and so that I may have been more present.
 
There to listen more, to notice all that I missed
whilst I was busy wondering, if I had beer in the fridge,
or if the pub was still open.
 
There is some small stuff that I’d change.
Maybe the midwife at the hospital
could be one seemingly not hell-bent
on appearing to be an embodiment of
 
crazed Eastern-European stereotypes
of wanting to inflict fear and pain,
to make that process more enjoyable.
 
There is much though, that I wouldn’t change.
 
Anything to do with life with our daughter
can stay just as it is.
 
I wouldn’t change the little quirks,
even those tiny, small things,
that cause us both minor annoyance.
A fleeting irritant, not long-lasting hurt.
 
You never finish a hot drink I make,
leave glasses on the kitchen counter,
whereas I would wash them straight away.
 
I can’t find things, even if right in front of me,
or forget what you’ve said, sometimes only
if moments before.
 
Those are the types of creases
that do not need ironing out.
 
If anything, they are necessary.
 
For once those creases are folded.
they stay in place, held by something invisible,
as do we.

Mirror Question

If you could begin again— not with a different person, but as a different version of yourself…
what would you finally do differently?

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About the Author — Gary L. Taylor

Gary L. Taylor is a writer who brings together two worlds: music and poetry. He shares thoughtful reflections on independent artists and albums, often tied to personal experience, alongside poems that explore memory, family, and the quiet weight of everyday life.

If you enjoy discovering music through a personal lens, or reading poetry that feels lived rather than polished, his work offers something steady and real. And since everything is freely accessible, it’s an easy space to step into — and return to, at your own rhythm.

Gary L Taylor

Decent music reviews & average poetry.

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

When did you become my enemy?
You—
once my confidant,
my loyal friend.

I know it sounds strange to hear it.
You think I’m blaming you for nothing,
don’t you?

But you know me.
I’ve made many accusations in my life…
Yet never once have I lied to you.
You’ve witnessed all my failures,
every fall.

So let’s speak plainly now.
Your sins,
your detours,
your tricks,
your little conspiracies—

let’s talk about your betrayal.

I was the naïve one who followed you.
“Trust me,” you said.
“Listen to me.
Obey me.
I’ll show you the joys you seek.”

And she was beautiful—
rarely so.
Her smile…
I won’t even try to describe it…

My eyes,
my senses,
everything in me surrendered.
And I trusted you,
my dear adviser.

I listened.
I believed.
I let you lead.
I let you push me into foolishness.

I followed your impulses—
and for what?

To be thrown aside,
quietly,
like an outlaw no one wants.

And that…
was only the first time.

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Act II — The Elusive One

What mask were you wearing this time?
You vanished after your first disaster.
I imagine you came back more cunning,
and I was foolish enough to think you were finally off my back.

You know,
life felt lighter without you.
I felt good in my own skin.
Everything seemed simpler without your burdens.

I had learned the rules,
the mechanics of the game.
I was thriving.

And truth be told,
I didn’t miss you at all, old friend.

Endless parties,
nights soaked in noise and neon,
music, dancing,
small exchanges,
alcohol.
Practiced gestures,
a few well-placed words,
a golden hunt—
effortless victories with no protocol.

Nights without tomorrow,
intoxicating moments,
sweet pleasures,
sharp thrills,
whole evenings dissolving into joy.
Simple connections,
no expectations—

all of it was good, too.
Especially far from you.

You couldn’t handle it, could you? Old fox.
Seeing your puppet walk away,
finally free.

I didn’t notice your despair—
I was vigilant,
but blind.

And still, you found your moment to return like a king.

Like a lamb wandering into a den of wolves,
she walked in,
unaware of the danger.

I saw an easy target.
You saw your next move.
I played my finest performance at that moment.

A harsh defeat.
Complete.
Hard to swallow.

I should’ve noticed you feeding on my ego.
A soft poison—
you had already slipped under my skin.

I should have recognized your schemes,
seen through the quiet plots you were weaving.

And then your grip tightened,
silent
around
my throat.

Act III — The Invisible Pact

You’ve become a master of exaggeration.
You never learned how to control your own tension.

Oh, my poor ego—
perfect victim under pressure.
You little bastard…
you hid your intentions well.

How ignorant I was.
Or maybe just blind.
What a mistake to believe I had outrun you.
Your persistence—
impressive, really.

And I, foolish as ever, underestimated your audacity.

Your weakness made me an easy target.
I was playing a game I didn’t even know existed.
Like a disgraced soldier,
tricked by another’s spite—

seduction as revenge,
pointless and empty.

It became a brutal fight,
harder than I expected.
She was a worthy opponent,
a fortress well-defended.
She pushed me back with courage,
heart intact.

Low blows,
old wounds—
yet somehow,
a victory in the end.

Oh heart, you bastard—
don’t pretend you’re innocent.
You fed my ego,
quietly,
deliberately.

You didn’t plan for what came next,
did you?

My ego slipping out of control,
smothering everything.

If only… you were the only one at play.
If only…

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Act IV — The Final Mask

You thought you were the clever one from the start.
Ready to trick me,
to pull the strings however you pleased.

Smart, you?
Don’t make me laugh.

Your own foolishness betrays you.
So full of yourself—
yet you never saw it coming.

My ego, that little soldier of yours,
he twisted it all.

You had everything you wanted, finally.
And me—poor victim,
once again your puppet.

Its shadow,
dark and silent,
made you tremble…
how pathetic!

A whisper.
A dangerous imagination.
Doubt swelling,
creeping in—
an old poison resurfacing.

The ego,
that idiot,
fragile in the face of temptation.
Sliding off the rails,
surrendering to empty sensations.

Why didn’t you stop it, huh?
Miserable thing.

Were you that weak,
that cowardly,
incapable of acting?

Where was your cunning,
your usual sly desire?

Useless.

Who are you really?
Just a fable wearing a pulse?

Oh her…
gentle,
bright,
a small sun walking toward me.

Why didn’t you fight for her?
Tell me.
She didn’t deserve that—
such a cruel blow.
Deception,
a scene of horror,
a sin without equal.

You recognized too late the worst enemy you had.
You deserved the pain.

What were you so AFRAID of?

The lamenting,
the late regret
the tears—
All of it your doing.

Your ego forced me to drink that bitter cup.

And her leaving…
ah—
that was
the executioner
waking up.

Act V — The Judgment

It awakened—
the powerful jailer.
Judge,
jury,
executioner without end.

Burning cold,
an infernal weight no one sees.

The final weapon:
judgment without mercy.

You,
me,
the ego—
lined up as the accused.

Fear turning into joy,
a hungry demon
delighting in chaos,
feeding on the pain we made.

What a disaster.

All of us—
crows fooled by our own shadows.

The sentence was merciless.

Silence, once calm,
now screamed too loudly.

Music turned bland,
echoing with no essence.
Nothing can stop you—
you —my conscience.

Her face,
your banner.
Her memories,
your list of charges.
Her smile, flickering—
like a lighthouse gone dead.

Her presence…
oh God,
her presence—
pure damnation.

I accept it—
yes, I accept it.

The weight of emptiness,
the infernal solitude.
No taste left in anything,
everything dull.

I accept it,
but I hate the laws you preach.

If only…
ah yes…
your scepter.

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Act VI — The Cycle Reborn

Defeated, I withdrew into my fortress.
Solitude, my loyal companion.
You, heart locked away in meditation,
guarded by my relentless executioner.

The emptiness—
lighter with time.
Ironically, almost pleasant.
A brief reprieve, of course.

And,
my conscience drifting back to sleep.

Then it struck again,
suddenly.
Solitude growing greedy,
the void turning heavy.
That subtle, creeping need for attachment.

And you—my heart—
my unconscious accomplice.

An echo, but different this time.
No chase,
no game,
no hunt.

A search for authenticity instead,
unsettling and raw.

Until her.
Until this new threshold.

Had I known…

I would have
ignored you
this time.

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Act VII — The Last Temptation

I had locked you away well, hadn’t I?
We were tired—
emptied out.
Veterans of a past too heavy,
seeking nothing now but peace.

Empty encounters.
Beautiful women, yes—
charming,
kind,
good souls.
But conversations flat,
wearing too many faces.

Everyone with their own agenda.

Bad omen.

And then…
she arrived.

She vibrated differently.
She smiled differently.
She moved differently.
She did everything differently.

Of course, you fell at first sight.
And I—clear-headed—
forced to be the adult for us both.

She was perfection, embodied.
Even the way she looked at me—
unmatched.

My defenses fell one by one.
I felt you grin at each collapse.

And I admit it…
I believed too.
We both gave in,
without restraint.

Ah… if only—
if only—
we had known.

Act VIII — The Final Judgment

Life had regained its thousand colors again.
You, my heart,
a sublime field of flowers.
And I—the guardian—
hypnotized by the softness.

I should have known…
I saw too much meaning in it.

Everything felt right, didn’t it?
We believed so.
A beautiful life,
balanced,
shared.
Growing,
breathing success.

Peace,
respect—
happiness carefully cultivated.

And still, we weren’t blind.
Far from ego,
far from sin.

We remembered the lesson from last time.
But it wasn’t enough—
not against what was coming.

Another fear,
even as we seemed perfect.
Wise,
steady,
untouched by chaos.

So is it wrong,
really,
when everything is done right?

Fidelity—
willing, devoted,
almost a quiet servitude.

Tell me…
you—
tell me why.

Why did the carnage fall on me again?

Once more, I gave you the reins.
Look where it led us.

Our beloved—
in our bed with another man.

The same crime,
the same face as ours.
That moment when you let ego take the lead.
That innocent soul…
brutally cut down.

Karma perhaps—
what does it matter?

The eternal executioner,
whispering, present.
The sentence fell,
undeniable.

You—
shattered into a thousand pieces.

Me—
left with the scars.

Can you still claim…
innocence?

Act IX — The Final Word

Do you still think I’m blaming you for nothing?
How many times have you pushed me toward the fall?
I truly believed you wished me well.
I really thought you were my friend.

I’m tired—
can’t you feel it?
Tired of playing in your foolish games.

Honestly, I don’t understand you anymore.
I never knew you could be this cruel.

Why do you force me to stay
where I’m clearly not wanted?

Why do you push me to give myself
to someone who doesn’t want you either?

Do you love suffering that much?

They shove you away,
yet you refuse to leave.

They humiliate you,
and you climb back on the scaffold.

How can you be so foolish?

There are moments when I hate you,
you know.

You play innocent,
you drag me down.
Manipulation,
betrayal—

what do you have to say for yourself?

Old stubborn fool.
Clumsy,
confused,
unaware.
My enemy…
my old friend—

when did we start misunderstanding each other?

Maybe—
just maybe…

Ah, if life…

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Act X — What If…

Wait—
hold on a moment.

Come closer,
come here.

Let’s forget the mistakes and talk,
shall we?
About us,
about life,
about the hard truths.

You were wrong,
and so was I.

I blamed you,
caged you,
neglected you.

But tell me—
what else could I have done?

We were misunderstood,
wounded,
drifting apart.

Our fight?
Useless,
pure ignorance.

Here’s the harsh reality:

I breathe because you live.
If you die,
there’s nothing left—
no echo.

Maybe now,
it’s time we stop fighting for control.
Me, the rational one;
you, the reckless one.

Ego, fear—this division?
To the slaughterhouse.

Imagine—
truly imagine.
A quiet joy,
a rebellious peace.

You and me together;
unshakable.

Hunters,
not preys.

Oh my heart,
walk with me.
My heart,
don’t move without me.

Together, strong—
we are the crown.
Let love bow to our laws.

Not me without you…

and you

with me.

Author’s Note:

“The heart has its reasons that reason itself does not know.”
This line has grown with me. At one point, it fascinated me. Then, I began to truly resent it. There came a time when it felt like my heart had stopped being my ally— and had become my opponent instead.

So I started to wonder… If I could sit across from my own heart, what would I honestly say to it?

These poems are a few of those answers. They are shaped from my experiences, but also from imagination and observation— a movement from chaos toward peace.

And you— if you could sit down and speak openly, directly to your own heart what would you say?

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Free subscribers receive each new reflection.

For deeper readings and structured insights, you can support this work as a paid member.

And if you simply wish to encourage the journey— you can always

buy me a mirror.

This work asks for time and presence. Your support allows it to continue with more freedom.

With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

Relationships rarely collapse because of one dramatic event.

More often, they weaken quietly.

Not through betrayal or crisis,
but through the gradual disappearance of small gestures that once nourished the bond.

At the beginning of love, partners naturally engage in what psychologists call relational maintenance behaviors:

• compliments
• attentive listening
• playful gestures
• small acts of care
• spontaneous appreciation.

These gestures function like emotional nutrients.

But over time, familiarity introduces a subtle shift.

What once felt precious begins to feel normal.

And what becomes normal often becomes invisible.

The relationship does not suddenly break.

It slowly stops being nourished.

II. MECHANISM — How Emotional Connection Fades

1️⃣ Familiarity → Invisibility

Early admiration flows naturally.

The partner’s smile, voice, or presence can feel extraordinary.

But with repetition, the brain adapts.

Psychologically, this process is known as habituation.

The nervous system gradually reduces its emotional response to repeated stimuli.

The value of the partner does not diminish.

But the attention directed toward them often does.

Without conscious appreciation, admiration quietly fades into routine.

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We all carry an image of the “ideal couple” within us. And that’s a good thing; it’s better to know what you want before diving in. But things get complicated when these expectations turn into demands that stifle the relationship.

Too often, we want the other person to be exactly as we imagined. We look to tick off our boxes before we even try to truly know the person.

What if a romantic relationship was like a business plan?

On paper, everything can look perfect. But in reality, things rarely go as planned. Because every plan lacks real-world data — those concrete details you only discover as you move forward.

That’s why every business plan includes a budget for the unexpected. You have to observe, adapt, and adjust. And if the project fails despite everything, it’s not the end of the world. Few people succeed on their first try. Failure is simply part of the learning process.

Starting Over from Scratch

When you decide to start over, you never go back with your old tools. You can’t run a new company using the licenses from the old one. Even if it’s the same line of work, everything has to be rebuilt: the data, the budget, the plan.

Shouldn’t it be the same for a relationship?

Every relationship, whether it’s a first or a fresh start, must be built from the ground up. Even if everything seems clear in your head, the reality is that you have to rebuild. Our greatest mistake is expecting the other person to perfectly match our ideal. But they never do — at least, not right away.

Communication and Observation

In my view, a couple is built on two pillars: communication and observation.

Communication is the ability to tell the other person what you want, what you hope for, and how you feel. It’s also about knowing how to listen. True communication happens when both people feel heard.

Observation, on the other hand, is about watching, understanding, and analyzing your partner’s reactions. It’s about seeing what is actually happening. Because people often say the opposite of what they’re thinking. They might tell you “left,” while their heart is pointing “right.”

It would be a mistake to believe your partner should just guess how you feel.

Sometimes, it’s better to speak up — even about the things you think are most obvious.

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When unspoken expectations become the problem.

Not long ago, I conducted a small experiment. A friend and I were talking late into the night. Eventually, she fell asleep. The next morning, she sent me a warm greeting.

I hadn’t slept yet, but I replied with the same energy. She read the message… then nothing. When I woke up that afternoon, still not a word. That evening, I wrote to her again. She was upset.

Why? Because she expected me to keep the conversation going.

In my mind, it was her turn to pick it back up. To me, a greeting calls for a response, followed by a “how are you?”. To her, it was up to me to lead the way.

The problem wasn’t the gesture itself; it was the communication. She never expressed what she expected, yet she hoped I would just figure it out. This is exactly how simple misunderstandings can create deep tension.

Speak Up, Observe, Adapt

The beginning of any relationship is delicate. You have to talk, observe, and understand. You have to be patient and flexible. You will offend the other person, and they will offend you too. It’s no big deal.

Instead of getting angry, why not just talk about it?

Just as a business plan often proves more complex and demanding than we first imagined, so too is the behavior of others in a relationship.

Certain habits run deep. They are reflexes, automatic responses, or “blind spots” from our upbringing or past experiences. Sometimes, we hurt others without meaning to. That is why flexibility is essential.

Choosing What Matters

What is truly important?

Isn’t what you’ve found in this relationship worth more than a few imperfections?

Romantic relationships, much like businesses, are not perfect projects. They are built through the unexpected, through constant adjustments, and a great deal of humility.

Love doesn’t demand perfection; it demands the will to start over—again and again—without ever tiring of the building process.

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What would your relationship look like if you treated it like a fresh project, with a plan, a budget for the unexpected, and room to adapt?

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And if you simply wish to encourage the journey—
you can always

buy me a mirror.

With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.

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In the meantime, I’m taking this opportunity to share one of the ten poems from the short collection The Secret Book of Love.

Can we truly experience a love that is authentic, free, and lasting? Can we fully be ourselves within a relationship? And if such a love exists, where can it be found?

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9- Find Me in You

Sons and daughters, tender children,
today I write to you like a parent —
one too far away to speak to you directly,
or maybe simply because
you wouldn’t have listened
if I had tried.

I admit: sometimes I am difficult.
Always testing you,
always throwing you into the deep and troubled waters of life.
But tell me — isn’t the sharpest blade
forged in the hottest flames?

Tell me this too:
Do you value the things given to you without effort
as much as the ones you earn through sweat?
Even the Bible says it plainly:
spare not the child
from the rod of correction.

This isn’t an apology letter.
Just a few words — a guide, a spark, a quiet muse.
I see your suffering.
And silence can no longer hold me.

I’ve had enough.
Enough of being found, then lost again.
Enough of watching you chase shadows,
caught in the traps of your own ego.

Know this: I have never abandoned you.
Like any parent, I want your happiness.
I am with you,
I am in you.

Stop searching elsewhere.
Stop letting your ideas of me
pull you away from me.
Don’t look for me in the other —
share me with the other.

To build a beautiful relationship,
you only have to extend your version of me —
your version of yourself —
toward the one you love.

Listen to my words, my child,
and live them.

And when loneliness visits,
find my essence within you —
in the love you hold for yourself,
and the love I have always held
for you.

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From The Secret Book of Love
The collection is available on Amazon for those who would like to read it in full — just click the link.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G8QVSBD1

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Become a subscriber to stay in the room.

Free subscribers receive each new reflection.

For deeper readings and structured insights,
you can support this work as a paid member.

And if you simply wish to encourage the journey—
you can always

buy me a mirror.

With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.