I didn’t mean to stare
In the coffeeshop
Across the street
At the mall
And in class
Hello stranger
With the beach blond waves
With the pink box braids
With the frizz
With the acne that form constellations
And the glasses with thick frames
I didn’t mean to stare
At your vintage tees
and sweet Nikes
At your cute cardigan
And the sweatshirt with your favorite sports team
Hello stranger
Who sticks up a pinkie when sipping
Who juggles while jogging
Who was accused of theft
And whose head lowers when the teacher’s teaching
I swear I didn’t mean to stare
At the way your laugh ricochets
and the amusing way you gesture while speaking
At your dewdrop tears falling so silently
and how quickly your confidence decays
Even the way you walk catches my attention
Hello stranger
I didn’t mean to stare
All I wanted to ask was
who are you?
