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Draw in the Smoke


"...and gaze at the reflection in the mirror,

As streetlights gaze at drying puddles..."

Joseph Brodsky
Draw in the smoke and with the motion of a finger,
shake off the lazy fireflies, which often linger 
to burn to ash. Cold bathroom lights reveal your flaws,--
the bald spot in your hair, the crooked nose...
Breathe out the smoke, and nothing’s to be seen,
except the rows of plastic bottles, -- blue and green
colognes and creams and other useless stuff,
which you still use in hopes of luring in true love.
The smoky mirror hides your grim reflection,
and now, none of your flaws remain...
Thus streetlights watch with warm affection
the puddles blurred by drops of rain.