Brownish Gray Spot

He was sure
When they averted
eye contact
They had noticed

 

He was sure
When they whispered
behind his back
They had noticed

 

He was sure
When fliers taped to light poles
Suddenly began appearing
Blatantly exposing his flaws

 

They had noticed

 

It was the little girl
Who lived down the street
That brought it to his attention

The brownish gray spot near his lapel

 

She never noticed
His properly combed hair
His shiny polished shoes
Or his freshly pressed slacks

 

She noticed the brownish gray spot

 

Was it stain from drink?
Which drink?
How many drinks?
Was it food?
His food?
Someone else’s food?
Was it dribble?
Possibly vomit?

 

Does it matter
How it got there?

 

If even a child could notice
Something was different
Something was odd

 

His brownish-gray spot
Made sure of that