Second Best Poem by Gregory Huyette

Opportunity knocked but I was always satisfied with second best.

My pitiful self told me I wasn't as good as many of the rest.

Rather than decide I settled for that familiar second place

Among mediocre colleagues I found a comfortable space.

Not unlike a child fearing those ghosts of the unknown

I only took solace in a make believe world of my own.

Second place became more attractive with my ego's decline.

Once an unacceptable option then appeared to be just fine.

The irony of my second best attitude I sadly failed to see…

Though I freely chose it, like quick sand, it devoured me.