#UnspokenInCrowds
You frown.

I am instantly drawn to your mystery
With that single furrowing of brows.
Headphones adorn your head
Like a crown of lights,
Drawing my attention
To your pensive stare.

I wonder what you're listening to.
I deduce that it's either emotional music,
Or the ranting tirade of someone
Who should really stop calling you,
If they're not going to let you utter
A single syllable...

You laugh.

Well, shit.
There goes my theory.

It begins as a snicker;
Your attempt to hide it
Is a valiant but futile effort.
The laugh grows into a chortle.
You cover your mouth desperately,
But your body still shakes with mirth.

... a podcast? Maybe?

A little part of my brain tells me
That it is a lover having just finished
Sharing an amusing anecdote.

I silence that part of my brain.
I don't know why.

You check both ways
Before jaywalking across the street
In my direction -
The bus stop direction.
You cannot prevent a smile
From gracing your lips as you
Amble towards our motley crew
Of public transportation passengers.

Your eyes meet mine for a heartbeat.
Maybe I imagine it,
But I swear your eyebrows furrow
Once more.
I am stricken with grief
At the thought of being
Considered a creep.
How does one even attempt to
Convey their innocence
In a single...