The Invisible Elephant

If you switched places with me, 
You would never understand
Why nobody was looking at you,
Why nobody listened when you spoke,
When they shoved past you without apology,
Without even a glance in your direction.
If you were me,
You would have to learn faster than I have
What it’s like to be invisible,
What it’s like when a compliment
is passed your way,
Like the occasional dog treat for the good girl.
Harden your stare,
Because you know that if they look at you
It’s because there’s a stain on your shirt,
you tripped and fell
or your shirt is ripped.
Some people will be kind,
But it is hard to hide their pity,
I know, 
I’ve studied them.
When you’re me, and I’m you,
When you stand next to me,
You will feel like an invisible elephant.
So big they have to pretend
hard that you’re not there.