THE STRANGER IN US ALL

i am,  have been, will always be,  the unfamiliar
if maybe, just like you, we are one and the same
though not without my shame, which outweighs, by far

for me, i walk mostly the nights, cause of the stares
regardless the weather to me and my surroundings
think what if, test me, itching for a fight; dare me

i am sure, each day as you walk right passed
taking no measure of me, for i am just  another someone
left aside, you don't want to know me , first last, that's that

your pre-conceived opinions aside, check them at the door
as you venture to the store or a favorite restaurant, look there  
in front of you, in the alleys, under passes, dumpster; what's more

been a stranger to many, ready or not unable to see beyond
so you walk to the other side of the street, staring at my *****  
façade, open your eyes, see me, what was lost is found

by Michael Perry