It is said that monsters don’t have reflections in mirrors.

I think there is some truth to that.

In fact, Junot Diaz, however twisted he may be,

once said to turn a human into a monster we must

“deny them, at the cultural level, any reflection of themselves.”

I was driving my car in my town the other day

when I saw a couple walking.

I wanted to pull over and say hello.

I would have, but for the fact I was on a busy road.

I had not realized there were other people of colour

that lived around me.

I mean

I assumed they were there.

But every time I go to the store

eat at a restaurant

drive to work

I must miss them.

My car windows are tinted and sometimes I wonder

if they prohibit me from being seen better.

Other times I thank God they are

because it seems I am seen too much.

Like when I go to the store and kids look at me with fear.

Or standing in line to order at a restaurant

and women clutch their purses.

When I get stopped by the police after closing my work

and instead of offering to escort me to my car

the time being midnight

they ask me what I am doing

who I am

what my work is

where my car is

and drive off

leaving me alone in a parking lot at night.

Some days I look in the mirror and don’t see anyone at all.

Anyone I recognize.

I would say those days are the worst but I would be lying.

The worst is when I tell others I can’t see me

and they do not even respond.

It’s almost as if they do not see me too.

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