[Standing before a group of women, eyes downcast]
Hi. I see all of you and want you to know me and like me, but I don’t know what to say to you. You all look so happy, casually chatting with one another. Do you see me? Will you care about me? Or will you turn your backs on me if I reach out to you?
[Briefly glancing up]
You who are looking at me with carefully controlled expressions on your faces. What are you thinking as you hear my words? Can I talk to you? Will you really listen to what I say? Can I trust you?
[Lifting gaze to the others and finally daring to meet their eyes]
Wait, you smiled at me. Now you’re coming over to me, welcoming me, acting like you accept me, showing me that maybe I’ll be okay. Maybe you’ll like me after all.
[Straightening shoulders and smiling more confidently]
I’ve never felt this warmness before like this. It feels like love. Thank you. Thank you!
~ Janet Willig, writer
~ Danyelle Yoder, artist, https://www.danyelleyoder.com/
