The Mask

I always thought a mask was something we ourselves put on
Or not, depending whether it was fake or having fun.
But now I learn about a time when it's put on for real,
To keep us still as they prepare to help our bodies heal.

It seems it's made to order just to be a body cast;
It's shaped around our bodies lying there without a mask.
We get to wear this shell, it's ours, unique in every way,
As radiation hits the cancer cells with killing ray.

When it's all done we get to take it home as a souvenir,
Though many do not view it to be something near and dear;
The memory of that period when radiant beams were shot
Through shell to kill the tumour is ’nuff memory, which we've got.

I think of all the masks that I've put on throughout the years,
For laughs at Halloween or just to hide my teenage fears.
Relief for me when I could lay them down at last for good,
And live my life here in the world – be plainly understood –

I'm thankful that no mask I need, I'm free to walk my way,
And be myself in circumstances as they bend and sway;
Three hours of fun for trick-or-treat's enough at once a year,
And teenage antics quite enough to last my adult years.

I guess it's necessary to have others mask us up
To minimize the damage when we go through treatment rough.
A bit humiliating when they suit us end to end
Then wearing many times when radiation beams they bend.

But being alive to tell the tale, it counts for something, yes?
Though what the future holds for me is anybody's guess.
I long to go back to my job to leave all masks for good;
Just be myself and face each circumstance – be understood.

One thing I know, I'll never place a mask upon another,
And force a person to conform – their spirit thereby smother;
Conversely what I long to do is set each person free
So they can leave their masks behind – live life as full can be.

The masks we wear are silly things for real or just for fun;
They hide our true humanity from those with whom we run;
They buy us time to be ourselves, protect our wounded egos;
But when we cast them off we soar on currents like the Eagles.

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