Secret Identity

Identity depends on who I’m with.

   When I’m alone, I’m sitting with a stranger—

His anger makes him evil as The Sith;

   His hopes make him as pure as The Lone Ranger.

When I’m with friends, I am their Cruise Director.

   When I’m with strangers, I’m the witty clown.

With happy couples, gloomy as a specter;

   With little kids, the coolest coot in town.

When I’m with the successful, I give up.

   When I’m with the secure, I’m panicky.

But you—with you—I’m someone who’ll live up

   To all that you believe is best in me.

      And that is why, no matter what I do,

      I whisper to myself: “This is for you.” 

 

Copyright 2016 Matthew J Wells