The Mask

COVID-19, the monster that left us 

No choice but to wear a mask 

The colors and patterns did help 

Break the monotony of our days 

But now that it's over, is the mask gone?

Or is there still one hidden in our very soul?

The one that we all possess and hold very dear. 

Close to our hearts, it resides unseen.  

It guards the self, tough and seemingly 

perfect it makes us look.  

To those who call themselves family,

but are nothing but acquaintances that 

come and go. 

But are we really perfect? 

Or deeply flawed?

We choose for ourselves 

Which side of our character to unveil? 

And it's usually the first one that 

Retains its spot. 

So skeptical and frightened are we 

To show the world our real and unfiltered self

Viewed as a sign of weakness by most. 

The rage and frustration that build within

Frightened to show its wrath remains unseen

Tastefully concealed by the smiles on our faces

That may not grace our faces in solitude. 

But there are only a few who care deeply 

About what we truly feel, others stay away. 

I to we is a big leap. 

Our problems and turmoil 

Remain forever ours until 

We find that “someone” to trust. 

Pouring our emotional baggage 

onto a loved one takes courage. 

What if? The mask that conceals it all 

Comes off, putting our bond to the test. 

Will their deception and untrustworthiness

Shatter our souls.

Our cries go unheard in fear 

Of what others might perceive us to be. 

The pressure to retain 

the image we create for

others can mess with us 

Who we truly are  

People have forgotten 

What they stand for may be different from ours. 

Acceptance of diversity in experience

Is lost in the spiral of time. 

So desperate we are to fit in, 

Shattering our sense of self to fit in with others. 

Leaving behind just a few who are their true, authentic selves. 

In attempts to conceal our true self,

Some things are left behind, for 

Others to see and realize. 

We might never go up to them

To express how we feel, however, 

Make it quite clear in action and reaction. 

Where does the mask go, then? 

Does it wander off from the soul?

To places we never hoped it would reach?

To feel better about oneself, do 

We make others feel worthless and unlikable. 

In the end, it is we who choose who to be 

What to show to the world and what to hide 

When to be vulnerable and when to be strong 

When to feel and when to suppress

This mask, when worn, dictates our being 

Once off, we are free to be our unapologetic self.