HIS STARE

it all began with a stare. 
one I didn’t even realise was there. 
His eyes creeping and crawling all over my skin 
like a leech that wanted to come in but could only remain on the surface, holding on for dear life 

it wouldn’t stop 
He stood there 
like a deer in headlights  
paralysed by the fact that skin could be 
so dark 
and smooth 
and chocolate 

He smiled
a genuine and friendly one this time 
a knowing smile that had seen decades of life 
and perhaps some strife 


I smiled back - in a way that said “care for the elders” and “don’t talk to strangers” all at the same time 
You see, 
I didn’t want him to be...uncomfortable 
Even though I was indeed, 


                                                                                        Uncomfortable.