My belly continues to swell,
like the distance that expands between our friendships.
Paranoia grows like a cancer in my brain;
spreading throughout me and I cannot relax.
I am on the outside;I used to be the leader.
My title has been stripped
like layers of paint being removed,
walls eagerly awaiting fresh color.
Small glances and snickers
between the two of you at an inside joke.
An awkward car ride, an invitation that never arrives.
Feelings of loneliness envelop me.
I take on my new label: Outsider.
Three best friends are now
no more than strangers passing each other.
Is this my punishment?
You made me believe I had your support.
The endless disapproval is exhausting,
and I have no energy to spare,
as I house a new life that grows within this empty shell.
