In the family line-up
he’s the pinch-hitter,
counted on in the clutch,
the one who won’t choke
when the dog’s been hit
by a van, the designated
driver on prom night,
the open billfold
posting bond.
In the team photo
he’s the one on the left,
at the edge, smiling,
the expendable inch
cut to fit the frame.
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