The mask

Writing quickly as I go with coffee before work

The mask went off that day
The day that month
that came so soon after
oh happy happy May

She had tried so hard all her life
To just make it all seem
Just so right just so plumb tight
So snug and just so angel right

Her friends one by one they
Disappeared like smoke
Like Up into some old chimney poke
She cried as each ran from her side
And gathered up her stronger pride

Like a potter without its potters wheel
She didn't know what was
Real or spiel
So she decided then and there
She'd be herself
Her own true honest self
And wouldn't care

At first her days alone were
Filled with tears and spears
Like ships that would never meet
Again in any starry night
She so feared

Then she felt without a doubt
A perfect peace had travelled here
She was herself and no one and
Not one thing mattered
She was not putting up her purple mask
She had toiled her whole life
With that mask
Indeed
'Twas time for it no more
As it lay on her
Dusty wooden floor

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

So many people hide behind a mask, (ha, I don't mean the covid sort) afraid to be themselves. Afraid of saying the wrong thing, of being disliked or judged. There is great freedom in having the courage to be yourself and to stop worrying about what others think of you. Hope you are OK Julie. Keep safe and well.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Thanks so much
I’m well thanks had the flu last week negative to covid
Hope you well
Thanks for review x

[Chris Shaw]

All OK. In lockdown again, but keeping safe. Take care :)

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Thanks coyote tom Jacob and Annette for reviews x my laptop broke using phone for this not very good

[Coyote Poetry]

Hard to show real face. People fear real thoughts and real life. The poem had a honest and true tone. You are right. Few people want to know the real face and thoughts. Thank you Julie for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Oh thanks coyote I missed this review from three years ago
I hope you are well

[Coyote Poetry]

I am fine dear Julie. I hope you are doing well and having some fun. You are welcome my dear friend.

[Tom]

To upkeep a facade risks a severe drain of spirit and soul, better to be true to oneself and the outside world!

Sincerely penned, the genuine article !

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Thanks so much
Thank you

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Thank you Jacob and Annette your words mean much to me

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sometimes it takes longer for some to achieve this....the contentment of being who we are and not caring what others think of us...our lives are difficult enough without perpetuating that trauma by worrying about others think of us.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Thanks Jacob
Hope you are well
Sorry late reply here

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

This poem resonated in me. Brave, courageous decision to unmask oneself- nothing harder on so many levels. Lovely wordage, form, flow & rhyme.
"Twas time for it no more..As it lay on her..Dusty wooden floor". Brava

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Hi Annette
A very late ThAnkyou xx
Hope you are well

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

To be ourselves can take a lifetime of acts