Identity Crisis in Reflection

Madeline Sonik

Teresa lifted a stone from the beach
and it spoke to her
saying: “I am God.”

“There was one thing which at first I was ignorant: I did not know that God was in all things, and, when He seemed to me to be very present, I thought it impossible. I could not cease believing that He was there, for it seemed almost certain that I had been conscious of His very presence.” St. Teresa of Avila.

Teresa lifted a stone from the beach
and it spoke to her
saying: “I am God.”

She touched the sand
with the bones of her hands
and it purred like a cat:
“I am God.”

In the sky
the clouds configured
“His Majesty,” and she called to him;
“I am God,” he called back.

And the water
cascaded a voice
into the void
“I am God.”

At the convent,
she had taken precautions
against mirrors;

vanity was a scar
she carried on her face;
but it happened
that a round bowl of a silver spoon
fed her a reflection,

“I am God,”
she whispered, frightened
“I am God.”

Madeline Sonik is a writer and anthologist. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, and is currently a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Writing at the University of Victoria. Her most recent book length publication is the poetry collection Stone Sightings.

Pre-order Our Next Issue

ROOM 47.4 FULL CIRCLE
Step back with Room into the past, to parents, to childhood homes, and to people once known and loved; dig into themes of grief and healing; and ultimately explore what it means to come full circle in literature.

Currently on Newsstands

ROOM 47.3 BODIES
Join Room in a deep dive on the body: touch and isolation, trans and queer embodiment, fat liberation, chronic illness and disability, brutality, sensuality, and other meditations on the bones and muscles you inhabit every day.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Be the first to know about our contests, calls for submissions, and upcoming events.

* indicates required

Join us on Patreon

Become a RoomMate

Seeking members who love literature, events, merchandise, and supporting marginalized creators.


Visit our Store

Share This