Sunshine and Shadows

Sunshine girls always get what they want.

They charm with sultry smiles and hypnotic eyes,

seduce with sway of hips as they saunter away,

thick hair tossed back over creamy-skinned shoulders.

Confident it will go their way--

because why wouldn't it?

Who would dare ever deny them

when they pout and beg so prettily.

Like Veruca, they want it all

and there's hell to pay if it isn't given to them now.

Shadow girls rarely get what they want.

Closed-mouth smiles never quite reaching their lowered eyes,

they slink away, with shoulders hunched,

ponytail hanging bedraggled down sensible-cardigan-clad back.

Accepting their place--

because why wouldn't they?

Who would ever notice them

when they whisper their desires so quietly.

The eternal platonic sidekick, too proud to beg,

their wants unnoticed and unmet.

It's silly

to be jealous when

the game is genetic lotto.

Pure luck,

not like poker

where at least skill tempers chance.

Yet the shadow girl still longs for her chance.

Standing in the dark, far behind the sunshine girl.

Waiting to feel the light

and daring to hope

that she will emerge

and matter,

someday,

to someone.