A narrative poem, often of folk origin and intended to be sung, consisting of simple stanzas and usually having a refrain.
(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ballad)
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Mirror, mirror
I gazed upon a mirror once
And saw what's there to see:
An image failing not to stun
With its variety.
I looked, and tears began to glaze
My eyes and wash my soul...
I stared at nothing more than haze:
A view no longer whole.
I tried to touch the girl who'd smiled
And blinked when I did see.
But then, I wept just like a child
For there was none... for me.
In my mind's eye, I saw her change;
She faded, dimmed, and died.
And I have thought it cruel, strange...
That I rebelled inside.
But as I stood, I realized
That never could I stay...
Just like a moth with flames enticed,
I'll cease to have my way.
'Tis true time comes to weather -- age...
But this it cannot touch.
This is the act I play on stage,
In which I put so much.
As long as men's eyes see and read,
As long as tongues can speak...
I'll see to it that they take heed
Although my voice is weak.
Throughout the world, and as time goes
My ode shall carry on.
I'll live once more, with joys and woes...
With this, for I have won.