Monk on The Road

I’m getting used to it, I think.

A little bit.

I’m getting used to the bare face. It’s been two weeks, and I’m no longer startled by my reflection. I’ve adjusted my morning routine to include more coffee and reading, two things I love just as much as red lipstick.

I’ll concede it’s made my day less complicated. I didn’t really think about how many little checks and fixes it takes to keep everything in place for my long days, but I don’t have to do it now. I just leave for the next thing without asking for permission from the Mirror.

With a mirror check, the real question is not whether my eyeliner strayed, or if my powder is uneven or if my lipstick has worn off.

The real question is will the next person I see be able to see me, or will they only see my mistakes?…