No Longer Needed

It’s like buying a brush,
Making your hair all silky smooth.
And then once the tangles are all out,
You throw the brush away; no longer needed.

It’s like borrowing a sharpened pencil
To make your lines nice and straight.
And then when you’ve finished your sentence,
You put it back in the pencil box; no longer needed.

It’s like buying a new swimsuit,
And getting male attention as a result.
And then when you’ve landed a boyfriend,
You return the suit; no longer needed.

It’s like when you come to me for advice
Because you know my advice is the best.
And then when you feel better,
You leave me in the dust; no longer needed.

I am temporary.
A back-up.
A shoulder to rest your head on.
A shirt to be soaked with tears.

I am not permanent.
I am not appreciated.
I am not respected.
For I am no longer needed.