He stares at his reflection for hours —
the mirror does not lie to him.
Perfect.

Then, in a moment, his face distorts.
He tries to scream,
but no sound escapes.

He wakes.
Splashes water on his face,
just enough to wake,
just enough to cleanse.
Lifts his gaze — perfect again.

But this time,
one might say,
he is no longer looking at his reflection,
but trying to find the depth
in his own eyes.