My grandmother always told me,

“You’re such a sweet kid, Mary.

Keep being you, darling,

I wouldn’t change a thing.”

_I love her, but_

I would always smile and agree,

And just go back to read,

My books, my only friends,

Never wanting to reach the end.

_my name isn’t Mary,_

We didn’t even look alike,

Except that we were both little tykes.

Mary was loud, I was quiet,

But grandma never seemed to buy it.

_and I’m still trying_

She never bothered to tell us apart,

And it chipped away at my heart.

My smile started to fade,

As more mistakes were made.

_to run away_

Now I’m here, sitting alone,

While Mary has such a joyful tone.

I’m happy for her, don’t get me wrong,

But I can’t help wishing it was me all along.

_from the shadow of Mary. _