Look Down, Look Away

Look down, look my way,
at the colours worn,
shades of words
I cannot speak,
struck dumb,
seeking the hand
of friendship
from those who
look down, look away

Look down, look at me,
no more layers
hide the heart,
no more choked pretence,
only the cloak
of vulnerability,
I’m stripped bare
and still you
look down, look away