Erin O' Connor

I am unapproachable
There
I stand in the far
Corner of the room;
Arms folded, perfect
Posture, eyes forward
Active; as if on guard.
A steep, craggy cliff
Standing sentinel
Over the rocks below.

You think you know me
Because of the way
I look? The way I carry
Myself? You think we’re
so different? We’re not. You
Judge me
Is it the haircut? Image?
You shouldn’t listen
to other people.

I know you. I used
To be you; stoic
Unaccommodating, biased
I looked at others as you
look at me. Judgment
based on an image or idea.
I missed out on so
Much
Just as you are
Missing out now.

I stand in
The middle of the room;
Arms loose, still with perfect
Posture, eyes forward
Active but interested.

Like an old friend
You haven’t seen lately
I stand here
unapproachable
No more.