2nd Best Poem by Bryan Taplits

I've never ever been the best
Nor ever strove to find that clue,
Although I'm fine…, but never mind…
Second best is what I do.
"Pretensions" are not my thing
"Condescensions" not my tribe,
Whenever a wise crack need be made
I just look away and sigh.
I always let my betters
show wit and their elan,
I like to abide-
and show that I'm satisfied-
with doing what I can.
Of course I'm never envied
With overt or quiet acclaim,
But then again,
when some failed witticism is lobbed
I need never shake my head in shame.
I like to be the quiet one
The one outside the realm,
And of course I have accepted this
That I'll never be at the helm.
But, "Yes"! ,
the "quiet ones" are all alright
wherever one slants his quest,
However, I must admit this-
"I may be wrong and have missed"
For I'm only Second Best.