Belonging in the In-Between

I belong

in the silence between utterances

where my name rests

and no one dares to reach for it.

a spirit once whispered,

you are worth so much

but not more than the person next to you.

their truths fell

like gentle rain upon my shoulder,

an anchoring and liberating sentiment.

I belong

in the little things:

a door held open, a quiet companionship,

laughter at an inopportune time.

I need not glow by myself.

were one big galaxy, not brighter nor dimmer,

just stars who have come to an agreement to remain lit

together.