Now that I'm Older

Strangers are the only ones who make me feel beautiful

Those I have known make me feel improved

Like a young warrior in his right of passage, but instead of helpless release, I have been followed the entire journey [scrutinized], cursed to never return a grown soilder, spoiled by those learned with a keen eye.

Whom I have truly grown akin is the passerby, the gentlemen who flash their treeth in a kind smile, the less gentle men who orate their natural attraction toward me who leave me with nothing less than a grin from that gentle touch of affection