Why suffer glitter and gloss?
Or countenance sparkle and shine?
For can they conceal the dross?
Or coat with glamor the swine?
Who, though, would trade romance
For the bare, drab essence of life?
And who, if he had the chance ,
Would exchange a dream for strife?
Better read the story and smart
Than live it–and bear the scar;
Would you give up an actor’s part
For things as they really are?
Let life have a roseate breath!
And emphasize color and sheen!
What matter true values at death?
Just cherish the moments between.
by Ray Romine Wednesday, September 4, 1946
