Temporary Badge

The sticky paper on my chest,

it claimed to say my name,

a borrowed skin, a quick protest

against the nameless game.

I pressed it down, it curled and fought,

each 'hello' felt a lie.

This version of me, carefully wrought,

I watched it slowly die.

At last, I peeled it, with a tug,

a damp, gray-sticky mark

left on the fabric, like a slug

had passed me in the dark.