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You Belong

Sebene Selassie

“Not belonging can manifest in different degrees of intensity. It can be momentary or subtle, like feeling slightly out of place at a party where you only know one person. Or it can be tenacious and upsetting, like the ongoing sense of anxiety that exists around our career, relationship status, or bank account balance. Or not belonging can be systemic and profound, like the many layers of oppression that can be internalized. Regardless of the category, degree, or intensity, not belonging is experienced in our very own bodies.”


the place where we once had a picnic
is now underwater

that one thick branch
of the shade tree
is now hovering
over the rippling surface

its trunk submerged—
holding its breath
for us

Last updated: August 8, 2023