As far back as my memory extends
regarding socializing with my peers,
in classroom desks with elementary friends
or high school intermixing several years,
I tended to compare myself with all,
but not in terms of popularity.
I always questioned, as I now recall,
if they were happy, and to what degree.

I never tried to copy someone’s test
or pass another’s homework for my own;
I always found it too much work to lie.
But I liked sideways spying – I assessed
the signs of satisfaction I was shown.
I wonder: are you happier than I?