CONSOLATION PRIZE

You smile at me

And I must smile back

Even if I know

That smile is not truly for me

You come to me

When no one else is around

To listen to you

And give you the comfort you need

That is your way isn't it?

To come to me only

When there is no one else?

When you are lonely?

You never seek me out

When we are in a crowd.

You are content there

Among your other friends

I fade into the background

Do you even spare a thought to me?

Did you ever think how I might feel

Whenever it comes time for you to leave?

Here I am. Just waiting

For when you deign

To come back and

Pay attention to me

I am pathetic I know.

Like a puppy needing

Your attention even worse

Hoping for your affection

It is painful when people

Tell you you're a prize

But you know in your heart

You're just the consolation.