It's Not Personal

Dear Stranger, 

I meant no harm

When I held my bag

Closer and clenched my fist 

As you walked in behind me, 

Or when I twitched when you

Shifted your leather shoe and 

Fixed your glasses. 

I meant no disrespect

When I refused to answer your

Hopelessly friendly conversation starter

About the cold weather. 

I meant not to upset you

When I adapted a fast pace

Once the elevator doors opened up,

but the thirty seconds we spent together

Was not comforting for me. 

I am sure you were simply

A nice business man who only

Shared the same tiredness I did 

As we stood within those metal doors 

After a long day of travelling.

Or a pleasant father who was retrieving 

The last bag from the SUV in the parking lot.

And I mean no offense,

But who could be certain.