I walked beside a schoolyard;
I paid no mind at all,
Until I heard a lonely child
With tears that did not fall.

I thought perhaps he'd fallen,
Or scraped a hand or knee,
Or, maybe, bumped his noggin'
On a low limb on a tree.

He turned his head toward me,
He listened; did he tilt his head?
That's when I sensed the heartache,
And knew before he said,

"I hear your breathin', Mister,
Or, Miss, if you're not a man.
I feel the caution in your look,
The hesitatin' in your stare.

Don't worry; I'm not bothered
By your staring looks at me.
Although, the children's taunting;
Now, that hurts me; it cuts me deep.