Unseen Frames

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 war 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 is nothing here for you.

And I practice what I’ll say

If someone ever looks my way,

Then swallow down the foolish thought That love is something I

could got.

'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

Without 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 silhouette 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 am just the proof Of heavy feet and

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 silhouette on the floor.

Just a lock upon the door.

Waiting for a miracle

To make a girl like me

feel

real.