And with another blow
down yet another notch
a curt thank you is in order-
with another assault
be big-swallow it
that's the boy.
On the eve of your despair
remember things will seem better in the morning
and when the morning comes, gray and forboding
look for the silver lining
and yes-
when you smile
the whole world smiles with you
stiffen that upper lip
straighten up
fly right
that's the spirit,
prop yourself up
take two
take five
call me in the morning
and tell me
if you're alive.

* published in Monkey's Fist.