Third

Quite simply I had a nemesis
and Archibald was his name,
his favorite topic was himself
competition his favorite game.
Every encounter with him just the same.

He's eager, urged to prove
he's the more "brilliant" of us two,
but, after opening up his mouth
proves his braincells are so few,
his communications not so true.

Always boasting ever louder
so emphatic since we were young,
I had never bested Archibald
and he never "blew" a lung;
my winning record was a song unsung.

He'd brag before he'd even win !
No matter what the contest,
louder than the largest crowd
while "puffing out" his chest;
he sure thought that he was the very best.

Then an odd thing happened
as the louder his voice rose,
folks began leaning closer
ever closer on their toes;
probably couldn't hear me, I suppose.

Suddenly paying attention
to nearly everything I'd say,
is directly proportional
to the attention that they'd have to pay;
I just never thought I'd see the day.

Now truly I'm the "go-to-guy"
the voice of reason in this town,
they pay attention to my "genius"
I'm the quietest around;
perhaps the smartest man won't make a sound.

Then I noticed another man
we'll just call him, "Third",
because he just seems smarter
without saying even a word;
for he knew what he knew, plus what he'd just heard.