Take a deep breath,

drink water, brush teeth,

splash face with warm water,

try not to cry,

use Pond’s Cold Cream generously,

slather it thick, wash it off,

remember you have short hours

and shorter years.

Cry again, rinse well,

don’t look in the mirror, grit your teeth,

and remember what society tells you,

that no matter how thin or stylish

or well-wrapped and packaged you are,

to the beast that gnaws on self confidence

you will never be good,

never be beautiful enough.

So rinse it all off, and repeat,

shave, moisturize, pluck and primp

until there’s nothing left

to pick.