Gawping

people gawp at me in sullen distrust
when I'm grinning around
the dust-loaded backstreets
of this town of this town

I have no right it seems
to flaunt myself with such things
as imaginings or the subtle
inner growth of dreams

too old too whispy balding
too thickened at the waist
too short too wrack-gummed
for these obvious displays

their distaste has led them
to gawp and glare
I should feel bad
for being there

but. and here's the truth.

it's only chance
that they looked
and I looked back
they think nothing of it
I'm the one who
gives it provenance.