![By Viviane Sassen](https://theoffingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/andrew-itaga-QNyWeFHjZJY-unsplash.jpg)
The truth came to me through muddy hands and silly smiles.
In knotted laces, I learned patience.
And in cups neither of us can reach, I learned grace.
I learned laughter can brush off bloody knees,
And sometimes a hug can cure my loneliness.
I used to think myself unloved,
but my niece made me smoothie,
and my nephew gave me a nickname.
They asked why I look pretty
and if I read long poems in front of people.
There are nights they stay up waiting for me—
ask when I’ll be home,
ask if I brought blue Gatorade. As if to say
Did you think about me,
or Did you miss me too?