Can You See Me?

Written by Lucy, a Ventura County junior in high school.

Can you see me?

I’m standing outside your car’s window. Bouquets in hand.

Do you want one?

Do you want to help feed my family?

Can you see me?

I’m sitting in the dust your shoes kicked up.

Cardboard sign in hand.

Do you want to help?

Do you want to help me gain back guardianship of my children?

Can you see me?

I’m breaking my back picking your $7 strawberries. Bugs and Dirt in hand.

Do you want to notice?

Do you want to help my family get better jobs?

Can you see me?

I’m crying in the stall ten feet away from you. Tears and Hurt in hand.

Do you want to come over?

Do you want to comfort and make me feel better?

Can you see me?

I’m talking to you as a peer.

Pain in hand.

Do you want to be nice?

Do you want to notice how I’m really feeling?

You don’t see me.

You’re blinding yourself with trained prejudices.

Ignorance and Bliss in your hand.

You don’t want to care.

You don’t even see a human being like you silently pleading for your help.