Non-Gawker Poem by L C Vieira

She is a ‘beautiful' woman and she is ugly.
So much telling us what is beautiful…
So many…
Beauty runs from us faster than we can catch it.

She hate men's stares.
Be nice and love her, you can have a look.
Notice her maybe.
Don't stare.
She is not fine blown glass. She feels.
Did you think she didn't notice?

Your lover notices.
She's watched and learned all her life.
Choice.
Manners.
Don't take your lover for granted.
Your sister, your mother.
Respect.
Consider.
Look, don't gawk.
Be a man.

Look at her the way she looks at you.

Wound licker and survivor.
Non-Gawker.

(2003)