if we can be described
as a network of nodes
inked pairwise
and graphed in black
then I fear,
that when the threads are tied
and factors drawn
I will be left without
hanging
factors clustered
loops of friends made
the ocean web coalesced
in knots of knowing
of smaller circles
bound together
without
me
I
alone.
What if,
I am but a loose tie,
to call when I am needed,
an inoffensive hand
in exchange for a kind word,
a convenience
but not a dear friend
What if,
It wouldn’t mean much to you
that was the problem, in fact
if when you all were listing
each person you adore
and I was there
I was right there
you didn’t see me
you didn’t know me
until I had to ask
to say “Hey”
“don’t forget me”
I fear I am a whisper in the whirlwind
and that I have to yell to be seen
and how?
if I am seen at all
who am I
what am I
Am I—to you?
am I?