Minding.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

when the eyes of the other
look at you
you begin to feel the insecurity
of something like
what is she up to?

this fat? this loose skin?
this thinning smile? these falling locks of hair?
a stooping shadow?
sleepy eyes?

sometimes, no matter how we hide
they take away the covers
pull the curtains and break the doors
loosen the hinges
and throw us with so much light
that we become blinded
and helpless

and so it is the decision to be strong-willed
that matters
love goes out and
desire fades
and health fails
and bones break
and sight dims

we are what we are
because we decide to be
what we are

just like the way i am
no matter how you see
what is outside
of me.