i feign confidence as i stand on stage, scanning the crowd

the show hasn’t started yet

i think, for a second,

there is still a chance

there are so many faces and fists

they are cheering us on

but the girl standing next to me is missing her mom

i am missing you

my parents are in the front, with my sister

friends and chosen family sit scattered

all supportive, all familiar, all present 

(all here)

you are the only one 

not accounted for