# Narcissus

By [alchemist](https://paragraph.com/@alchemist-3) · 2025-08-14

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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.

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*Originally published on [alchemist](https://paragraph.com/@alchemist-3/narcissus)*