Shell of a Man

I walk through the halls
A face that so often ignores
Turns in my direction

“Your hair looks fantastic.
I love your bow.
You have the most gorgeous eyes.”

You look at me so sweetly
My heart races
The attention is overwhelming

But you see me everyday
I’m in three of your classes
When did you first notice me?

It wasn’t when we were partners on a project
It wasn’t in my gestures of friendship.
You never saw the real me
All you see is a pretty dress and some makeup

I see you for what you really are
Your attention was once so coveted
But now I understand

My dreams are bigger than you