WALKING THE STREETS
SITTING ON A CURB
SLEEPING ON A BENCH
IN MY TENT
UNDER A TARP
A BRIDGE ABOVE MY HEAD
FEELING THE PAIN

EYES ON ME
STARING AT MY WHOLE
SENCING THEIR THOUGHTS
HIDE MY FACE
LOOK THE OTHER WAY
TURN THE OTHER CHEEK
FEELING THE PAIN

LISTENING TO COMMENTS
EXPRESSING THEIR HATE
ENDURING INSULTS
WORDS HURT
ACTIONS HURT
HOPING TO SURVIVE
FEELING THE PAIN

PANIC SETS IN
VISIBLY SHAKEN
ALWAYS THE SAME
WISHING A CHANGE
HOPING FOR HELP
FEAR FOR MY LIFE
FEELING THE PAIN

Leon Swarts 8/20/25