Because I Never Jump First Poem by Maya Hanson

A little less than
half the spotlight
on the side of my face
as I stand in the limelight
next to you

And I know I should be smiling
as the crowd stands on its toes
to get a good look
at what might be

But I’m always
less than half
of the limelight

And if I steal
all the glory
then maybe you’ll see
And I can’t write this story
Without writing about you

And if you
Can’t understand me
well, that’s all right
Maybe I’ll
come back
to your light

But I know
I’ll always stay right
where I am

I look back
quickly,
silently
trying to keep the dust from settling
Because once the dust’s gone
there’s nothing to prove I exist

I step back
softly,
silently
because heaven knows
it’s never a perfect landing

And if I steal
all the glory
then maybe you’ll see
And I can’t write this story
Without writing about you

And if you
Can’t understand me
well, that’s all right
Maybe I’ll
come back
to your light

But I know
I’ll always stay right
where I am

And you’re still the one
who jumps first
You’re the one
who tumbles backwards
without flinching
You’re the one
who laughs
as the world stands at her feet

and it’s all because
I never jump first.