The Dissatisfied Mirror

by Glenn Cooper

A mirror grew dissatisfied with its human.    
Another mirror said, a man cannot help his own reflection.    
That may be so, the dissatisfied mirror said, but nor can I help the desire for something more.    
If you break your human you will endure seven years bad luck.    
Who said anything about breaking him?     
It’s in your tone.    
I think the silent treatment should more than suffice …

For Michelle, Dead Now Three Years

by Glenn Cooper

In my dreams
you are still
heartbreakingly sick;
death and time
have not cured you.

I reach for you but my hand
passes through.

I caress
the empty space
that soon enough
shall caress us both.