Masks

MASKS

We all wear them---

different ones for disparate

occasions to avoid feeling truly naked.

We don one to show to loved ones

maybe it's a smiling mask

but not always.

We've another for the various people

we work with; some see one mask

others another. Some feel

they see beneath our mask; others may be completely fooled

and accept the outward shield.

We protect ourselves with a certain one

when danger is perceived.

Yet, maybe we let ours slip a little

when we feel willing to open up to a particular soul. Maybe

sensing we've glimpsed, momentarily

beneath theirs.

Our mind, divided into various compartments

even shows masks to the others. The ID,

the Ego, the Superego all ensconced

behind their comfortable, individual veneer.

Though, occasionally the mask may slide to one side

allowing one member of the triad to see another.

We even attempt to wear a particular mask

from our version of an outside spirit; our particular god, as if trusting

we may even hide from omniscience

by donning a leather mask of subservience or love

while beneath lurks something far from obsequiousness.

Maybe in sleep, for a few hours

we might relax the string tie of our particular mask of the moment

and travel through our dreams behind our true face,

or maybe even there we hide behind the protection of metaphor.

Maybe that's why the word naked holds so much power,

naked, our mask dropping from our face

to reveal our true countenance.

                                                                                                         The one we guard so protectively

behind all those various masks.