If I Were in a Novel

If I were in a novel
I wouldn’t be the hero
I wouldn’t have the grand romance
Or conquer mighty foes

I wouldn’t be the villain
And hatch an evil plan
I wouldn’t be the rebel
I wouldn’t be the wise man

I would be the nameless clerk
A shadow passing by
Unnoticed in the milling round
Among the faceless crowd

If I were in a movie
I’d have no lines to say
I’d be out of focus
In the distance on the edge of frame

I would be the background
A shadow passing by
Unnoticed in the milling round
Among the faceless crowd

If I were a magician
And could really disappear
Not a soul would notice
And none would shed a tear

If I were to vanish
It would bring no joy
To an audience of no one
No witness to the void