Judgmental Ignorance

Judgmental Ignorance

When I walk into a room,
What do others see?
What do they think?
What do they feel?

When I open my mouth,
What do they hear?
Do they understand?
Do they care?

Leaving friends at a bar,
Words inevitably spoken about me,
Never knowing what they are,
What they truly think,

When separated from family,
My name is mentioned,
Judgments and worries,
Fears and questions,

Looking a woman in the eyes,
Ignorant on how to read,
Does she see anger and deception?
Kindness and honesty?

Walking toward the mirrors,
All staring at me,
Ignorant of their judgments,
Not knowing what they see,

I stare into the mirror,
All others are forgotten,
Helpless to what they see or hear,
Walking toward them with confidence.