Stoplight Roses

You've practiced and rehearsed
 But in your heart you know
 It's too late.
 Experience should tell you
 Never get your story too straight.
 You'd better steel yourself
 And prepare for
 Some blues to descend
 'Cause you've broken something this time
 Stoplight roses can't mend.
 You've dusted off your shame face
 In the mirror behind the bathroom door.
 That little-boy-lost look
 That used to work so well
 Doesn't anymore.
 If you believe your same-old used-to-be
 Will see you through
 You'll last about as long as stoplight roses do.
 Stoplight roses
 In their sad array.
 Love's promise in cellophane lace
 Or dead giveaway?
 You'll need time to devise
 A stylish plan
 And you'll do it driving over to
 The stoplight roses man.
 And if you believe your same-old used-to-be
 Will see you through
 You'll last about as long as stoplight roses do.