I wake up feeling slightly incorrect,
like I missed a step
everyone else memorized.
I put on something neutral-
something safe,
something that says
I was supposed to be here.
I talkand hear myself talking,
wonder who approved that,
wait to seeif anyone objects.
I borrow thoughts
from smarter people,
hold them carefully,
then hand them back
as conversation.
I almost sound convincing.
And that’s the scariest part-
because maybe
I’m just good at this.
I keep waitingfor an email,
a look,
a quiet
are you okay?
But the day keeps moving,
and I keep passing,
which feels less like success
and more like
a clerical error.
So I smile,
stay useful,
don’t draw attention.
If no one says anything,
I guess I’m real-
at least
for now.