The Fifth Wheel Poem by Raj Dronamraju

He can't be preoccupied
He's always free when anyone needs help moving
He always brings a gift when invited to a housewarming
Remembers every birthday and anniversary with a card and a phone call

I am asking if it was because of a warning
"You could look better"
You followed me
You followed my friends
You followed us when we went out for dinner
You dug a hole in the woods and laid down a crooked desire

The scene could not be photoshopped
And yourself in it doesn't work
The day he came up with a brand new take on history
The response was mostly negative
But it was allowed to stand by itself in lieu of research

The be yourself stock advice
Is light years away from how he follows round a couple in love
So removed it's like he has become the sole tenant of a halfway house flesh and blood people pass through
Tangible darlings on their way to solid encounters