Hollow Frame

I trace the lines I wish weren't there And pull the mirror

close to stare

At every curve I learned to hide And all the quiet wars

inside

They say that beauty's in the eye Of passing folks who hurry

by

But I'm the ghost they look right through

Like there's nothing here for you

And I'll practice what I'll say

If any someone ever looks my way

And swallow down the foolish thought That love

is something I could get

'Cause I'm not anyone's type,

I'm told

Too soft, too heavy,

left in the cold A shape that poetry skips right past A

temporary thing that wouldn't last I'm just a background scene A quiet

space with no one's favorite arms or favorite face

I see them laughing in the hall And wonder how it feels

at all

To be the one a hand might seek

With a million flaws to speak

My mind rewrites every hello

To mean there's nowhere left to go

I lock the door before they see The clumsy weight that carries

me And I rehearse the safe retreat Before my shadow hits the

street

Convincing every beating heart

We're better off to stay apart 'Cause I'm not anyone's type,

I'm told Too soft,

too heavy, left in the cold A shape that poetry skips right

past A temporary thing that wouldn't last I'm just a background scene

A quiet space with no one's favorite arms or favorite face

And maybe time could change the glass Or let the cruel illusion

pass Or maybe I'm just the proof Of heavy feet and a

distant roof Unless What if the lie is loud and deep?

What if there's gentle watch to keep?

No, push it down,

don't let it grow

It's safer just to think they know

Just a shadow on the floor

Just a lock upon the door Waiting for a miracle

To make a girl

like me

feel real