Staring

Lapper towers over the bustling crowds of people Her pregnant body a reminder Of the warm familiarity of motherhood

Every day, on their way to school They see her and quickly look away But the feeling can't overcome The painful sting of their own mother's smack

Fingers spread and nails sharp "It's rude to stare," she scorns But their voyeuristic urge to consume The unpredictable, it overcomes them And the cycle starts anew

"How can she lovingly caress her child As a mother should?" they wonder They ponder and question and revel in the novelty But they'll continue wondering And they'll continue staring.