They said she was perfect-
before I came along.
Before my laughter filled the room,
before my love carved roots into his heart.

They said I was a detour,
a deviation from the dream.
But I was never lost.
I was always arriving.

I've heard this tune before-
the melody of comparison,
the chorus of
"not quite enough."

But I am not a shadow.
I am the light that stayed.
I am not the echo
of someone else's prayer.
I am the answer to his.

So speak of me not as a substitute,
but as a soul who chose him-
and was chosen in return.

I've been seen before.
I am seen still.
And I will not be unremembered.