I see you

there in my feed

trying so hard to make us all jealous

to justify your existence with ‘likes’

I see you

but I don’t know you (how could I?)

where does the filter end and your face begin?

where does your feigned smile end and your joy begin? digital or analog?

I’ll tell you

I learned a while back

the filter ends when you decide to be open

your joy begins when you see the value in vulnerability, the sense in sensitivity

I saw me

there in my feed

trying so hard to make you all jealous

to justify my existence with ‘likes’

I saw me

but I didn’t know me (how could I?!)

what they call the ‘real’ me

the (wo)man behind the mask, the (wo)man behind the curtain, but now

I’ll show you

digital and analog

the real me is strong but with little faith

determined in the face of unwavering fear, and proud despite it all

don’t forget

promise me you won’t

that ‘likes’ do not determine your worth

digital or analog.