Truth Unseen

In the café’s buzz, laughter erupts—

a thousand tiny needles,

reminders of isolation among kin,

a stranger leans in, eyes bright,

they believe, oh, they believe.

But the ones who know me? Blind,

they look right through, ignoring my truth,

a steaming cup held tight in trembling hands,

while warmth escapes, droplets

touching the edges, cooling—

every doubt a bitter aftertaste.