Being Seen

I miss being seen.

I miss walking to class,

And unavoidably waving to someone.

I miss being known on campus,

Didn't matter that at times I was known

As a friend, a girlfriend, or an ex,

I was known.

Perhaps I was popular,

I still don't know if I believe that's true,

But at least I was seen,

And people cared about my life.

There was a commonality

And a known-ness.

Perhaps I wasn't a household name

But I was a name.

Now I am barely known,

And where in the world

Will I go,

Where people know my name

And stop me in the street?

I miss being seen.

09/21/24