Look Away

I'm not sure when I stopped

looking away

when people would stare at me.

I don't remember when I began

to meet their stares

my eyes cold, unblinking.

I can't tell when

they became the ones

to look away first,

shame coloring their faces.

I know that now,

I will not cower under their gaze.

I suppose it is a small thing,

but it brings the ghost of a smile to my lips.