CODE

there always seemed a code
some equation involving a certain sort of congenial pretense
a secret handshake, maybe,
a wink
something barely whispered
between those smart and savvy enough to know
what to say
and when
and how to say it
some language tucked between ordinary words
that we never learned to speak

and we could fake it a little
but it seemed so obvious
or at least felt that way
and we were just more comfortable
out here in the element
tending to others
who didn't seem to fit --
our beautiful losers
gaunt, nearly broken
 their collars turned against the chill
their faces pressed against the glass
wishing and wanting
but knowing
they'd never quite belong