the Mask we wear
is wrought of air
press-dried ~ hard
and daubed with care
it does not hide
the face it bears
but hides the eyes
and heart it shares

what lies beneath
our tongue and teeth
are but dogs and vipers
loosed in sheath
take it off
and all will know
the face we've hid
and fear to show

yet the Mask is brief
it's like a leaf
swift from bud
and on to grief
we'd all do well
to speak our minds
cast off the shell
we hide behind

off, or on
~ it's naught to me
but worn to long
it becomes thee



ELAshley
120711.095449.1
Revisions:
120811.042517.6
120811.051126.6