I see you looking, looking, staring

Then, in denial look away.

I sense your disdain, or is it disgust,

As you turn to go on your way.

Now, you are glancing, at window beside you;

No thought to buy what’s within.

You use its reflection to confirm what you’re thinking,

Before you set off once again.

I don’t want your guilt,

Your half-hearted pity;

Go away with your pin-stripes

To your club in the city.

I don’t want your blindness,

Your ignorance or fear;

Your failure to accept

That I’ve a right to be here.

I just want respect,

A kind word of greeting;

For a man just like you

With a heart that’s still beating

I just want you to look:

To open your eyes;

Beyond my disfigured face,

To the man that’s inside.