A Sea of Faces

Separated from a sea of faces

All pressing against the pane and knocking

Solemn eyes follow me; my heart races.

Staring straight ahead, and always locking

Doors as I pass through them, I avoid

Their demands and hurry on my way.

Ignoring their tears, I laugh.  I’m devoid

Of feeling.  Numb.  I go without delay.

From the glass, a small ball rolls toward me

I know this; I played with one as a child

Picking it up, turning slowly to see

What child lost it, I see eyes pleading, wild.

They know I saw them.  I know they are there.

I stop.  Frozen.  Where do I go from here?

Pre 1989