what is a mirror when your eyes are repulsed by your own reflection? tiring mental games haunt me daily. I'm afraid to develop thoughts - they dig deep trying to penetrate my skull. they want to swim down into my nerves. they want to see me hurt again. A mismatched pattern of self-hate and envy, loathing-stained skin. my hair follicles have the sensual smell of the depression I thought I overcame last week. I'm drenched in my own mental hibernation, and waking up means I might not make it to the next day. so I sleep. i sleep hard. i shower myself with mental gifts and compliments because i have some hope that I can win this battle.