I smile into the camera and
attempt to make eye contact
during Zoom meetings,
even though I’m not sure
it’s possible, and
I tell corny childhood stories
revealing too much information
about myself.

Sometimes, I laugh or cry or
get too invested in feelings
because empathy isn’t something
I know how to turn off,
so I show up with books and
jars of homemade jam and
odd little treasures to make
someone else smile.

I send messages and memes and
heart all the posts celebrating
delights and joys because
we all need more of those, and
even though sometimes texts
get buried, I eventually uncover
them and respond thanking you
for your patience.

I could never run for office.
I’m not good at hiding my face,
so it’s always easy to see
my thoughts during conversations,
and I can’t disguise a reaction
no matter how hard I try.

But that’s okay.
I wouldn’t want to anyway.