extraneous

i cannot shine in a crowd of shadows.

i am a lone grain of sand beneath

the swelling sea,

swept away by a slight ocean breeze,

wavering uncertainly among the ships

and seaweed.

i cannot stand in a forest of redwood.

i am a mere sapling buried in

the ground;

even clusters of soil pile taller than i

shall ever grow.

cannot, cannot, cannot.

when will you, you

timid creature?

i cannot speak in a room

full of voices. i am a shy whisper

swallowed in a shout.