179: For the Strangers On The Internet

This is for

the strangers on the internet

who leave comments

because they can,

who say keep going

who say “me too”

who say you’re not alone.

This is for

the strangers on the internet

who choose to lift others up

because there’s room at the table

and space on the bench,

so you might as well

come matter here.

This is for

the strangers on the internet who know

that affirmations are a super power

and women need not compete with other women

because we rise up together.

This is for

the strangers on the internet

who share memes that invite laughter

who share videos of puppies

who share all manner of hope and good news

because a drop in the ocean

might be the drop you need.

This is for

the strangers on the internet

who, without even knowing it,

invite my inner critic

out into the sun

where shadows grow small;

and once again,

there is room in me

for a poem to grow.