I know Nothing

About projection, assumptions, and the stories we create about people we barely know. A reminder that behind every smile, success, and appearance lies a life we may never fully understand

A smile. A photograph. A success.

Sometimes, that is all it takes for us to create an entire story about someone’s life.

But how often are those stories true?

---

I Know Nothing

Oh, how beautiful she is.

She looks like a flower

Lost in this corrupted world.

.

Like the sun,

Her soul seems to shine

With a thousand invisible rays.

.

And I, poor mortal,

Can only imagine

Fragments of her life.

.

I told myself her childhood

Must have been a cradle of serenity —

adorned with happiness,

The kind children inherit

Without ever doubting.

.

Her adolescence,

Without loneliness.

Without wounds.

Surrounded,

protected,

Cherished by loving parents.

.

For what parent would not love

Such an angel?

What king would not protect

a princess so radiant?

.

Yes…

I imagined

she does not merely wear

Beauty upon her face,

But breathes it.

.

That fortune smiles at her each day.

That love bows before her.

.

And I…

I, poor mortal,

Dare not approach.

Afraid of being consumed

By her light.

.

For I believe her

Untouched.

Pristine.

Immaculate.

…

And yet,

I know nothing.

---

Author’s Note

I wrote this poem as a tribute to imi after becoming aware of parts of her childhood and her relationship with her father in one of her poems shared many months ago. Here’s the link of the post in question:

If It Helps Father

And I lost the poem shortly after writing it. To be honest, I never really intended to share it.

But as I continued reading the poems and stories of so many people in this community, I realized how often projection shapes the way we see one another. We see a person and unconsciously begin filling in the blanks.

Starting this Sunday, I will be sharing a series of poems that are more personal and vulnerable than usual. They are unsent letters written to members of my family. In a way, it feels like this might be the right time to share them.

The names mentioned bellow are people whose stories gave me the courage to share pieces of my own past.

So Aaliya , imi , The Stranger , Madonna , Sattie R , and many others... your writing gave me the courage to start this new journey.

Thank you.

---

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With clarity,
The Mirror Room
Odel A.