Look at me,

Returned to playground taunts,

Returned to archaic fears and thoughts.

(I cannot change my face.) 

These eyes have seen you looking, 

Closely,

Scrutinizing their squint and folds,

Evaluating the ethnicity behind their soul. 

(I cannot change this place.) 

These eyes have seen you assuming,

Forcing fears upon my heavy lids,

Holding back hatred for something no one did. 

(I cannot change my race.) 

These eyes have seen you gawking,

Waiting for the words you can spew,

To let me know what WE did to you.

(I cannot change your distaste.) 

These eyes have felt the icy glares,

Sending shivers up my spine,

As I wait patiently behind you in line. 

(I cannot change this viral hate.) 

Look at me, tearfully fearful, of you, 

For all those who look like me,

For all who have been hurt, 

For all the eyes now opened to loss, to pain, or worse. 

Look at me, 

I see you.