To the crying, hiding girl on the subway,

Know that your tears are seen,
            not stared at.
Know that your gasps are listened to,
            not heard.
Know that your shudders are touching,
            not felt.
Know that you are filling up space,
            not taking it.
Know that I am not ignoring you,
            I am letting you ignore me.

            From a subway stranger.

—2/16/2016