One Year

I barely recognize her.
The hair color is the same and so are the eyes.
She is essentially the same person, yet she isn't.

She hid her opinions so that people would like her.
Always scared of rejection and being turned away.
Bruised and broken, she limped through life, hiding her eyes and clinging to shadows.

Now, it's all about the light and living in the right now.
Yes, bad things happen but we have to move on.
Change is scary, but I meet it head-on.
I've learned my limits and how people can deceive.

When I look in the mirror, I don't see that hollow-eyed girl anymore.
I don't recognize her in myself unless I look deep.
It's funny what a difference a year can make.