I laugh a little late

at every joke you’ve already told

You’re halfway down the hallway

by the time my story’s bold

I practice every sentence

in the mirror, in my head

By the time I find the words

you’ve changed the subject instead

You sit in circles

I’m a straight line

I’m at the table’s end

waving for a lifeline

You say “it’s nothing”

but it cuts right through

If I’m so “extra”

why am I extra to you?

You plan the Friday movie

in a buzzing, crowded chat

I watch the little bubbles

then realize it’s not our map

Photos Monday morning

you were out where I belonged

I scroll until my stomach hurts

click away, pretend I’m strong

You sit in circles

I’m a straight line

I’m at the table’s end

waving for a lifeline

You say “it’s nothing”

but it cuts right through

If I’m so “extra”

why am I extra to you?

I hear the lights, I hear the floors

I hear the whispers through the doors

I miss the hints you never say

You miss the parts I give away

I’m not broken

just wired true

I’d share my whole strange world

if you ever asked “can I sit with you?”

You sit in circles

I’m a straight line

I’m at the table’s end

waving for a lifeline

I’m not “too much”

I’m just made this way

If you look closer

I’m the friend who’d always stay

So I’ll save a chair

on my quiet side

For the ones who see me

and don’t leave me behind