i’m in love with the idea of being loved

the idea that someone could look at me

and see every single flaw and problem

and love me anyway

i’m no stranger to loneliness 

rejection

exclusion

there are people who will talk and people who are allowed to listen

others are cast off to the side with their hands cupped over their ears

begging for a role 

people like me need to prove that we can be loved

prove to everyone around us that maybe 

just maybe

we were worth more than what we were valued as

i need to let them know that i can be loved

i need to let them know that i am more

i need to know that i am more

please, i am more