I see you when you strive to do and be better.

I see you in your joys, your smiles, your contented sighs.

I see you when you listen, when you share kindness, when you let others shine.

I see you in your disappointments, your sadness, your grief, your fears. Your anger.

I see you when it’s all too much – the news, the lies, the slop, the doxing, the all-caps social posts.

I see you when you challenge rudeness, when you stand up to cruelty, when you demand accountability.

I see you when the targeting, assaulting, detaining and killing come for you.

I see you, understanding that I can’t know all of you, can’t inhabit your experiences, can’t comprehend all your mysteries. Can’t be you.

I see you anyway.

It’s not too much to want, to be seen. Not seeing is ignorance. Ignorance born from not seeing is disrespect. And from disrespect come condescension and worse – an eagerness to sacrifice you on the altar of “not like us.”

But I see you. I try.

Because in seeing you, I see myself.

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Reflections on Connection

Litany for the Lonely

Neighbor, Stranger, Friend

Count Me in for Caring

Authentic Me, Respectful We

Can’t We Be Nice to Each Other?

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How to See Others Feel Seen