It was just before the fall
Not long ago, as I recall,
That I was who I used to be—
But that was then and this is me.
The mind is a mirror on fire
And the smoke it produces
Both deceives and confuses.
Watch and let the flame burn free;
Commit the sight to memory.
Don't forget the ghastly sight
Of smog dissolving into night.
And once it clears, I can see
That I was who I used to be.