I was walking home from school carrying my saxophone
and a saxophone is heavy to a 5th grade little girl
And I didn't see you swinging on the swings across the street
Until you called out my name to say hello to me
And it's the first time I've ever felt seen
It's the first time someone ever saw me
Somehow you knew my name
and remembered it that day
Thank you, forever friend, for seeing me
Whenever my friends would choose a superpower
for the days of pretend when we played outside for hours
I always chose the gift of invisibility
Not knowing that's how I was already feeling
And still until this day
I sometimes get afraid
and want to retreat into my own safe space
Not everyone is welcoming
Not everyone is inviting
and if they are, they may want to trick or harm me
But you're the friendliest boy I ever met
And I wish I knew now what I didn't know then
But I wasn't ready yet to admit
or trust that I meant
Anything to you, my long lost friend
For you planted a seed
For me to feel seen
Without any threat of invasion
Without any threat of humiliation
And I haven't blossomed yet
But I'm growing to my best
And it's all because you took the time
to say hello to this grateful heart of mine
and let me know that you... saw me