Why Are Starring At Me?

I originally wrote this poem in response to the tragic murder of Gwen Araujo about six years ago. I revised it; hence, the second edition, for a Comm., Gender, and Identity class at San Jose State University. It is a great class by the way, taught by an o

 WHY ARE YOU S TARRING AT ME

 

What is wrong with you?

I see you starring at me

Is there something on my face?

Do I owe you money and you are here to collect?

 

Come on and tell me!

Tell me what you see

So you and I can discuss it

And then you could move on freely

 

Oh, I got the picture now

Is it because I do not have two arms like you?

Is it because I was born with a defect

And you are standing in front of me to reflect

 

Reflect the misery that I have to live with everyday

Wait, I think there is more to it than my lost arm

Is it because my face is deformed?

Just because you can’t see my eyes, that doesn’t mean I can’t see yours

 

Am I close, or is there more to the story?

Is it because I am Man who chooses to become a Woman

Are you jealous because I look better than your girlfriend?

Don’t lie, I know it’s my heart you are trying to win

 

Wait do not respond yet, I need to ask more

Is it because I am gay and your fists are about to soar?

I did not do anything to cause you to hate me

Come on, what are you trying to tell me?

 

Are you trying to tell me that I am too fat?

Are you trying to tell me that I need to lose weight?

Are you trying to tell me that I do not belong?

Are you expecting me walk away and say, “So long”

 

No matter what is flowing through your mind

It does not bother me because I know who I am

I am a person of strength and steel for a spine

I am who I am regardless of who you say I am!

 

 Written By: Alexander M. Le

    Second Edition Written: December 3, 2008

          Copyright ©2008 Alexander Michael Le

 

 

Author's Note

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