Mirror's Voice

Poet's note: Gilbert SordebaBari's poem, "Mirror's Voice," delves into the themes of oppression, censorship, and the struggle for justice. Through vivid imagery and symbolic representations, the poet paints a bleak picture of a society that silences truth and denies the voices of those who dare to challenge the status quo. The poem opens with the assertion that "mirror's voice" resonates across rooftops, reminiscent of the sound of rain. This initial image suggests the universality of the mirror's voice, implying that its message is meant for all to hear. However, despite the clarity and urgency of the message, it is met with apathy and resistance. The heads on currency, symbolizing the powerful elite, suppress and silence the mirror's voice, preventing it from reaching the masses. The mirror's voice cries out for basic necessities like light and food, highlighting the stark reality of deprivation and inequality. However, instead of addressing these pressing issues, the authorities respond with hostility and violence. The mirror's desperate pleas for help are met with imprisonment and confinement in a cell, denying even the most fundamental human needs, such as water. This depiction emphasizes the oppressive nature of the ruling powers and their willingness to quash dissent. In the second stanza, the poem takes a turn, introducing the concept of a shared prison. The inmates of this prison are Humility, Dignity, Equity, Transparency, and others. By personifying these qualities, SordebaBari emphasizes their inherent value and their role in an ideal society. However, even within the confines of this prison, the mirror is bewildered by the plight of Honesty. It becomes clear that even virtues are not immune to mistreatment and misunderstanding. As the mirror observes the struggles faced by Security, Accountability, and Sincerity, it experiences a sense of empathy and pity. The maltreatment suffered by these virtues further highlights the pervasive injustice within society. The mirror's ability to reflect truth and reality only intensifies its anguish, as it cannot rectify or intervene in the injustices it witnesses. In a desperate bid for justice, the mirror hires Truth as its advocate. However, despite Truth's presence, the court proceedings are rendered futile and ineffective. Truth is unable to speak and make its case, symbolizing the suppression of truth and the erosion of justice. The justice system, represented by a deaf figure, fails to listen to the pleas for fairness and instead condemns the mirror to a life of "speechlessness." The final lines of the poem serve as a chilling conclusion, underscoring the dire consequences of stifling dissent and denying truth. By sentencing the mirror to "life in speechlessness," the authorities perpetuate a culture of silence, perpetuating oppression and maintaining the status quo. The mirror, a powerful symbol of reflection and self-awareness, is rendered powerless and unable to challenge the injustices it once reflected. "Mirror's Voice" serves as a poignant commentary on the dangers of suppressing truth and silencing dissenting voices. Through its evocative imagery and thought-provoking symbolism, the poem encourages readers to reflect on the consequences of complacency and the importance of upholding justice and freedom of expression in society.