The Courtesy of a Door

They kept a chair beside the door,
And called it just as good.
I laughed at things I didn't find
As funny as I should.

They spoke to me in softer words,
As though I wouldn't know.
I learnt to smile a little more,
And let the moment go.

Some days they knew my name so well,
Some days they passed me by.
I never asked what made the change.
Nor did they wonder why.

I watched them measure other lives,
And never count their own.
How strange to stand among so many,
And feel more seen alone.

I used to think the chair was mine,
A place they'd made for me.
Until I noticed, by the door,
How easy it was to leave.