Dear Little Monkey,

Recognizing yourself in a
mirror really isn’t such a big deal.
Even though your researchers work so hard
toward this end.

Lately, I hardly recognize myself.
Especially in the morning,
Especially before I’ve had my coffee.

And I feel it’s important to inform you
It’s not really you in the mirror.
It’s a virtual you, a reflection,
simply light bouncing off a plane.

And a warning: don’t get too enamored with
your mirror image,
You could end up like Narcissus who
had a personality disorder named after him.

I have more startling news.

Once you learn to recognize your image in a mirror,
that reflection will change—imperceptibly, but
inevitably.

One day, a handsome, stud monkey appears in
the looking glass
A bunch of years later, an elder statesman.

Here’s a tip:
A mature monkey should not try to look like a
teenage monkey.
It’s a futile enterprise and tacky as well.

So don’t overdo the looking or the grooming.

Just be happy being the monkey you are, which
has little to do with your reflection in the mirror.