Side Character

• Hannah Randall, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2021

what is it like to be the centre of the story?
to be the main character
the world revolving around you
to not be an extra in the story?
smile and wave—be ignored
no matter how hard you try, you'll never be the protagonist
you're just not cut out for that role
you are only there to assist the main characters
never included
just a number
an NPC
"come talk, I'll talk back... but I'll never approach you"
a main character—that is not my place, not my role
not special enough
not compared to you