People stare at each other

Trying to see if they have doubt or fear

To see if they will walk out or wait

Wait for another train

All because he came onboard

People switch seats or stare with unease

Looking at him intensely

Sizing up his beard and gear

They watch him closely

Trying to catch an unnatural move but none comes.

Some exit when the train stops at the next station

This is obviously not their destination

Just because he came onboard.

He is either unaware or chooses to ignore

After all this has been his life since 9/11

He is sometimes furious when he gets these stares

He smiles at those who stare to make them at ease

But all he gets in return are glares

He looks my way and I smile

He smiles back thinking I must understand his pain

Being black and a woman

Knowing we mostly get judged before anyone knows us

He nods at me happy to see a friendly face

Little does he know,

I feel exactly the same

As everyone else aboard the train.