And I got startled

And I Got Startled

and i got startled

not knowing if he was offensive

in the way polka music is

(a little too loud, for a little too long)

or worse

if his offense was the kind

you feel sharply

the sear of skin

the tenderness left behind

i sit in the waiting room

full of sick

catching glimpses of him as i decide

he plays vulgar music loud

much louder than socially acceptable

i am startled

as i walk to the cold empty room

i feel his eyes watching me

offense?

maybe.