One by one they come Unintentionally one of the first - that is what I get for abandoning the faithful back row.

One by one they come Filling the center aisle and her eyes search mine as I step, unsure whether I am even ready to move forward. More than holding a gaze, they pierce into me, my back row self, the burdened self as she proclaims over me,

“You are so loved”.

And I take the meticulously cut square and dip it, still relishing in the depth and warmth of this moment.

One by one they come as I retreat to my second row seat Of course I had chosen the aisle So the garments of those receiving brushed past me in the cramped gymnasium.

One by one they come Men and women Young and elderly Abled and disabled

I watch each One by one as they come Dirty clothes Rainbow hair With everything they are, were Stepping forward from where they came

One by one she declares “You are so loved” To each she repeats “You are so loved” No questions asked “You are so loved” No idea where we came from “You are so loved” No idea who we love “You are so loved” No exceptions You are so loved.