The Mask

If it ever seemed that I’ve lived the charmed life, that it all came easy, then I’ve undoubtedly fooled you.

This mask is worn well, but not intended to deceive or make you feel inferior.

Its purpose is to rise above the anxiety, to live beyond the suffering and emerge in peace.

The face has been weathered. It has been wiped of countless tears and grimaced in pain.

The mask is a fresh cover that I’ve created to give you hope, so that what’s underneath does not disillusion you or cause you to

fear. 

If you get close enough, you can still see what lies underneath, but, when you are that close, I can embrace you and give you all my love

and strength and we will both be healed.

When I wrote this, I thought of the face others see when they look at me, the calm, cool collected version. We are of the same Universe,

I assure you, so never underestimate the power of kindness to another.