Advice for a friend

When you’re miserable

And overcome by tedium,--

Admire yourself in the mirror!

Like a mermaid,

You emerge from its medium

Like a miracle!

When you’re meandering

In and out of the murky memory

Where the mercury’s frozen at zero,

Do no listen to the same old melody,--

Admire yourself in the mirror!

Even when sorrow is imminent,

Conceal it in your demeanor.

As long as you know you’re innocent,

Admire yourself in the mirror!

When you’re feeling morbid

And insignificant,

And your fire burns into an ember,

Let the mirror light up, magnificent,

And illumine the world with your splendor!