The word demarcating boundaries pretending inclusivity then You belong either among us. Or you are them, insider or outsider.
Gangs say it; firms say it; Countries establish barriers around it. either membership or exclusion, acceptance or expulsion.
One among us needs conformity disguised as neighborhood, meet our beliefs; share our aesthetic. Laugh at our comedy; hate our foes.
Assimilation dressed as acceptance, You may register, but first become more like ourselves; less like oneself, less genuine.
Cults have great command of this tongue: You are now one of us, They say, cutting outside ties, reinterpreting family as composite inhabitants.
Ownership armed, transformed into control mechanism membership needing Giving oneself up. Still, people desire being.
One of something, Tribes, groups, movements, Yearning for members. We are naturally social beings. ready to change ourselves for that magic feeling of acceptance, of relevance.
One among us means you're observed. you are worthy because the group certifies Your life, your worth.
The question is whether being demands that you lose yourself or among others who see what has always been present.