Your Mask

Your mask covers your being-

like darkness draping over the sunlight,

Your mind seeks the world with penetrating eyes-

undisputable waves, persuaded glances,

A vanity inside your heart abides-

building fragmented exhibits

like slivers of shattered glass

reflecting dual faces-

Dusted with suffering,

Prolonged anguished moments,

a whirling frenzy, a heart running-

thoughts and longings,

Winged hand-in-hand with dreaming-

yet,

You guard your soul-

knowing your mask keeps you

Standing alone-

a safeguard-

evolved and amassed-

holding little understanding;

your mask-

Leads only to emptiness,

A prisoner-

inside your encased world mask.

Do not accede to life’s ragged hand-

slaying your treasures-

Disrobe the mask you wear and sanctioned-

allow love and tranquility to be released-

Allow your soul to breathe unleashed –

Allow yourself permission to be free in peace.

Remove your mask-

And give love a chance.

(Painter: Kathleen Stevens, Acrylic on canvas, ‘Mask’