Zoe

i want to be you.
 i want to unzip myself
 and step into your skin.
 wear your smile like armor.
 speak with your voice
 and not feel it shake.

i just want to be someone’s first choice.
 but i never am.
 i’m the second thought.
 the backup plan.
 the friend you drop when someone better walks in.

why?

it’s a small world,
 you say—
 after seeing me
 for the first time in years.

i thought you’d ask,
 what happened?
 what’s wrong with you?