how can i be anything more
than the sum of all i have gathered
carefully, over time,
scavenging words and smiles
(and expressions and mannerisms)
of those i deem superior? we are all of us
museums, collections
we retell other people's stories, don't we?
pass down ****** features and accents
generations and generations of relative thieves
and we take parts of people for ourselves
in our greedy, natural-selection passion
for uniqueness
how can i, even so young
pretend to be anything more
than the sum of the lives i've taken?