These eyes on me

say, “Something’s off.’

I’m nothing, often,

at the coffee shop

spent only a buck

and change for a refill

nose-deep in a book

and Something’s off.

 

Need to be alone,

don’t want to be alone,

but I deserve to be alone.

Got to be this way.

 

The corner of eyes, I

think, think “Something’s off

about that guy.”

I’m nothing, often,

at the corner store,

they know I’m here

for a four-pack

and almonds.

 

Those eyes on me

say something I

don’t see:

You really look back,

and that’s a relief.

Don’t feel.

Don’t think about anything.

It’s why I need you.

 

A fine dusting of brightness

on starving eyes,

Push Fast Forward on this life.

“Maybe it gets better.”