The Man From The Bus Stop

poem written about and event where I had a uncomfortable interaction with a much older man that seemed very inappropriate. Warning for anyone who is uncomfortable with sexual harassment, stay safe :)

I'm in an unfamiliar place

Surrounded by people i don't know

Every time someone looks at me for to long, I get nervous 

He walks by

He seems nice at first

Old enough to be my grandfather and walks with a cane

At first I think he's just trying to say hi

I was wrong

He winks and calls me “sweetheart”

Does he know I'm only fifteen? Most tell me I look older, maybe he thinks i'm a college kid, out on the town

I get nervous, both from him and the time, i'm running late

I walk a couple blocks down the street

He follows

I try to ignore him and keep my distance

He follows

I get on the bus 

He follows

The reason I always get off near public places and lots of traffic

Because of people like the man from the bus stop

Who look at you like your something he would like to ruin, destroy your innocence, make you feel dirty

Looking you up and down even in your dirty cargo pants and plain black t-shirt

I don't think I look particularly nice, not someone you would look at twice, not one that stands out

yet this happens time and time again

I can't help but wonder why?

As I keep glancing at the man walking behind me on my way home. Why?

As the man keeps glancing at me on the bus. Why?

As I keep getting off at the stop by the store, in case I need to lose a man following. Why?

As I have to fake a smile and pretend to check my phone while ignoring his flirtatious jokes. 

Why?

Author's Note

First ever poem posted on the internet, please be nice, its a little rough :,)