Can I Sit With You? Poem by Jen Chen

Can I sit with you?

Thank you

For not staring at me

Like I am an alien

Like a poor cripple

Whom you are the only crutch

Thank you

For smiling

That real, genuine smile

The smile which says

I've been there too

I've been new

And if not it says

I understand

Thank you for not shutting me out

Like I am a different species

Someone who will never get your inside jokes because you won't

Tell them to me

Someone who will not be excluded from your group chats

Your hangouts

Someone who can talk in your circle

Like a real, other member.

Thank you

For not saying 'no'