Sad girl,
step into my parlor
and I will teach you to hold
your nose up high,
to crook your pinkie just so.
I will teach you to keep your back
ramrod straight
and off the cushions.
And more than that,
I will teach you to hide your frowns
behind a fragrant curtain of steam,
to let your tears fall
into your china teacup,
washing your sorrows down with honey
and Darjeeling.
I will teach you to smile
like you have a wonderful secret
and to scald your tongue
when the crazy starts building up
inside you.
And when I am done,
I promise,
no one will ever see
how sad you are beneath
the Lady.
