cover.

The sidewalk is a catwalk
for the beautiful people

and as I pass, it is to me
as though our inequality
inflates and baits their self-esteem
and I exist to be the foil
to fuel their confidence.

I say it does not bother me
although my downward gaze
and hastened pace -
and how I seize my lower lip
between my teeth -
belie my insecurity.