Do I smell sweet?

Had you ever laughed with me?

Did I repeat

a joke we saw separately?

And in so stealing

the wit of others we

shared that solitary

chuckle posthumously.

Surely, it elevated mems.

Was it not words but cadence,

my mien and blubbering graceless,

that gave you honest radiance?

Of the things I can be certain of,

it's the sight of

your mouth hung open like

a dessert made into a party trick

a chocolate shell moments after warm fudge melts

hollow

sweet

so rich it's decadent

but even with

my tastebuds cloyed

I'd never think

to stop something I so enjoyed.

Was this the laugh we shared?

Or was I a mere observer

a set of eyes barely there?

I'm sure I stared.

I can be such a goof

when your joy is laid bare

I'm so uncouth.

And you stay beside me out of some inspiration most heavenly

it must be pity

who could love something so shitty?

Now you mirror me.

You wallow and cry and keen most horribly.

And I am not thee.

My smile can only shine darkness into your light.

I'm a sorry sight.

But within pity is that subtle elevation

like a plinth that suspends traitors of a nation

even toppled that platform remains.

Look to me and recall that we aren't the same.

Your heart is strong and I lame.

Let me be your frame

for the portrait of your upcoming victory

Can't you see?

If ever I made you laugh that

power is now beyond me.

I am not so proud as to take back

any joy my failure brings.

Even at your lowest I am still beneath.

Look down at the writhing worm

and find a new reason to be.

Pathetic is not you.

Listen to my garbled mewl.

See my eyes so hopeless,

I'm not worthy of your cool.

There was a joke you knew once

and I saw it in your eyes

Well, I'll tell you a new one

It's called my demise.

Without your pity I'm crumbling

Forgotten, I only lie.

But in my loss I sustain

maggots that will grow into flies!

Look upon my body.

Know that you settled for less.

Think to a future without me

and have yourself a wonderful laugh.