By: Sage Touchberry, SCDNR Archaeology Intern 

Prose inspired by an archaeology internship with the SCDNR Archaeology team, where discovery of all types is encouraged, in this case, the self. This work highlights the work archeologists do. How they find the history that we lost, and that would be forgotten without them. The mirror representing their self-identity being lost over time, and the people passing symbolizing people ignoring history and past culture, allowing it to be forgotten… 

I looked into the mirror and was met eye-to-eye with myself. As I stared into my eyes, the world ran around me, seeming to leave me behind. I couldn’t move with the world. My feet were glued to the ground. People rushed by, pushing into me, leaving me struggling to stand up straight. The mirror faded with each person that passed. They didn’t notice my existence as I fell to my knees and cried out. No one was coming to save me.  

The number of people lessened to the point that one person passed every few days. I cried out to all, longing to be seen, but to no avail. Some would spare me a glance but quickly looked away and moved on with their lives as if I were nothing to them. I had been in the same spot for hours, days, and years. The mirror that once reflected my image was now a distant memory.  

I wait, unmoving. I am staring off into the distance. It has been years since the last person walked by. I have forgotten what I looked like and who I was. I still try to call out, but at this point, I can’t remember why. I hoped someone would hear my cries, but no one ever has, so why should they start now? 

I’ve started to lose hope that anyone would walk by again. I exhale slowly, and the world around me starts to fade. The space between breaths becomes increasingly elongated to the point that I’m sure I am not breathing anymore. The world crumbles around me, and my vision fades to black.  

After what felt like an eternity, a glimmer of light pierced the darkness. A surge of hope filled me as I saw the silhouette of someone approaching, bathing in the light. As they drew nearer, a hand extended towards me. I stared in disbelief for a moment before reaching out. Their hand grasped mine, and I was lifted to my feet. I was met with a warm embrace; I couldn’t comprehend what was happening, but I felt a sense of security and belonging I hadn’t known in years. 

The End