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. _