For Shelby Poem by Raj Dronamraju

Whom should I blame for time scattered like the ashes of a cremated loved one
Not the active listener poised to feed off depressing stories of old times vampire-like
Not the current spouse of unavoidable infirmity holding you close with pity and the stench of the grave

You have a twin sister and I didn't have the guts to talk to either of you
You're identical but I could always tell you apart
You were kind and quiet while she had a reputation and used to burp out loud in class
Modesty beamed at me while vulgarity showed me the middle finger

I don't have the reflexes to play video games
Too slow for an incoming attack
But I've made peace with where I failed to launch an assault

I've made peace with the fact I should have known you better
The last few years, I've been hearing someone running up behind me
I wish it was you