I am the third pair of hands when only two are needed,
The second set of ears when the first is otherwise occupied.
I am the follower in conversation,
The chimer-in of small, unimportant thoughts.
I give good advice that is rarely taken,
But never say "I told you so."
I am the one in the background, seldom noticed
*But I am always there

I wear my strength as a badge of honor on my chest
Shining it with spit, because that's what tough guys do
I stand tall and march with confidence,
Staring down my enemies,
Grinning inwardly when they shy away

And then there are those that sneer at me,
Try to pluck the badge from my chest
Because I am not worthy of it,
Not capable of strength
Since I do not really stand tall, only average,
Since I am a woman, and we should be modest
We should leave it to the men.

So I wear this badge of honor,
Always carrying something to prove
Longing for respect from ones who should be my equals -
They don't realize that the extra weight
Will only make me stronger.

There is no definitive moment,
No epiphany or revelation
When a child makes the leap to adulthood -
When a child becomes accustomed to death.
Thoughts of fear and mourning vaporize
Replaced by acceptance of "the way things are"
When it is easier to break the neck
Of a dove with a broken wing
Than it is to hold it close in comfort
And wish for it to fly.

It is not a choice among angels, nor demons
It is not an enchanted journey with a heroic end,
An effortless denouement.
It exists only where there is life, not fairy tales -

It is a dandelion picked from a field of daisies,
It cannot be marveled for its beauty, nor perfection,
But I can breathe a thousand wishes into the air, and
Have faith that they will come true.

The words I desire evade my grasp
Flitting about beneath my fingers
Dodging what I thought would be a sure catch.
A child-like frustration grows within me,
Playing tag with these teasing lyrics,
Chasing them until I grow tired,
Giving up when I want only to say,
"You're it"