In Faces of Strangers

to see them 

with kindness

to see it as you do 

softens the blow of 

          prejudice-hidden smug,

          arrogance as obsessive,

pride in vanity; 

it's gnawing humility 

          in hungered fits of 

repentance, 

but more: 

I'm unworthy of your heaven

          and 

the hell of my own creation.

let me see through your eyes, 

but moreover, 

          into your soul. 

Poem © 2013 Rick Burnett Baker