EMPTY ORCHESTRA

"Oh no!"
my reflection couldn't
help but blurt out

"You're not going to
give me that
sad face again...are ya?"

I smiled
but my reflection
didn't smile back

don't ya hate it
when your reflection
gives you a good talking to

tells you to
"Laugh for gawd's sake!"
or "Look lively!"

puts me in mind
of my mother when
I was a surly teenager

she's long gone now
so my mirror takes on
her nagging role

always telling me
what to do or
what's what

I comb my scruffy hair
apply a little lippy
fasten a smile to my gob

I pout "All right, Mr. DeMille,
I'm ready
for my close-up."

I dive back
into the noise
and crazy chatter

grab a mike and
in my best Karaoke
belt out "I Will Survive!"

my mirror
would be
proud of me

"...back
from
outer space!"