Paper Dolls
Do not think of me as different,
we are so similar,
you and I.
Paper dolls cut out connected,
neatly in a line.
Squint you eyes to see this photo,
us as children side by side.
I doubt you can tell without your glasses,
where you and I divide.
Have we grown apart so much,
from where we first were planted.
The privileged opportunities you had
are something that you took for granted.
At school we were like brothers,
I thought we'd be friends for good.
But then your parents got better jobs
and you left the neighbourhood.
As time passed, our gap increased,
no traffic in your way.
Caught in gridlock on the bus
is firmly where I'd stay.
Your family gave you everything, supporting your education.
Paid the fees for your degrees,
funded each vacation.
My life was a little different.
I had to drop out from school.
I got a job, 'cause I could swim,
as a life guard at the pool.
I used to see you with your friends,
come in, a time or two.
You never looked,
or didn't notice,
but I said,
I know you.
As life moved on,
you got a job
as you had graduated.
I took another,
to help my Dad,
as my parents separated.
The money helped,
the drink did not,
my Dad had lost his way.
He couldn't work,
so bro and I,
joined the factory,
full time pay.
As a break on Friday nights,
I'd post up at the bar.
I saw you there, in VIP,
as I stared from a far.
Bottle after pricey bottle,
till the night had reached its end.
You certainly knew how to party,
my long lost, one time friend.
l didn't know what envy was,
but I felt it for sure.
You seem to be so far ahead,
you used to Iive next door.
Fast forward now,
times were getting tough.
The factory job went up in smoke.
The owner said he'd had enough.
We were now, almost broke.
We got Pop's drinking sorted out,
but his health it was still bad.
We sadly were a little late
to help our dear old Dad.
Out of work, I took odd jobs
just to make some ends.
I moved your house once,
but the moving team
didn't believe
we once were friends.
The crisis deepened
no one was hiring
even with a college degree.
Luckily I found a small place
for my brother and me.
We had just enough to stay afloat,
and to have a home.
Each night I studied, Social Work,
paid with a student loan.
So here we meet again my friend
after so much time.
Different paths have brought you back,
but your stories close to mine.
I know what happens when you drink
and it gets out of control.
I know what it's like to lose your job,
and be in a financial hole.
When you downsized in the divorce
and the market had a crash.
I know how very hard it is,
when you are low on cash.
See, as I told you at the start
we are both quite the same.
Take my hand,
I'll help you friend,
to get up and start again.
Posted Apr 25, 2026, 5:30 AM UTC