she hides behind a mask
not revealing herself
she moves sedately
most of the time
but sometimes
she’s free and lithe
she dances
around in the dark
no one can see
and then, in the morning
she hides her face again
behind her mask
~~~~~~~~
Image credit: Michael Dziedzic @ Unsplash
For the visually challenged reader, this image shows a mechanical mask held by a metal hand. Both the eyes are staring in different directions.
Written in response to Sadje‘s What Do You See #242 photo prompt.
luna's on line 
What an intriguing poem Chris. She is a mysterious woman. Thanks for joining in.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Great photo! Thanks so much, Sadje.
I’m reading Broken Ties by Jude Itakali and the front cover (by Colleen Chesebro) also inspired me to write a little poem today.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re most welcome. You should write poetry more. It’s beautiful
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are too nice 💫
LikeLiked by 1 person
☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
this can be interpeted in many ways Chris..and yes, as what Sadje said “intriguing”
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Mich. Part of the reason is because I’m reading Jude’s book and looking at the front cover – see up from Sadje!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly relatable. Well done. ❤️
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Terrific, insightful poem, Chris, about what a person shows — and doesn’t show — the world.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It is interesting the way people perceive themselves and other people as well.
Thanks so much, Dave!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this, Chris! As an introvert with flashes of bravery, this really speaks to me. Your poems are always so meaningful. Keep them coming 😍
LikeLiked by 4 people
It is interesting about the introvert / extrovert on the spectrum – especially writers, don’t you think?
I’m so glad that you liked that. Thanks, Susan🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m yet to meet a writer who is an extrovert!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm… 🤔
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] My Mask […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think this could apply to many of us women.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, absolutely. Many women have to push harder for most of the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderfully insightful poem, Chris.. with or without make up
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love what you said, Cindy! 💄😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh soooo glad my friend💓
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is lovely, Chris. A great response to this challenge.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Robbie!
LikeLike
🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a subtle depth in this that I deeply appreciate. 🖤❤️🤗
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love your book, Jude – it’s my constant companion at the moment😉.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, don’t kill me with blushes, Chris🥹☺️🫣🫠
LikeLiked by 1 person
In the darkness we remain free, our shadows hidden, until the light reveals what we must show to the world.
Great poem, Chris.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s interesting what we reveal and not.
Thanks, Chris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree… you should dip your pen in poetry more often.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Just a little here and there – although I’ve been dabbling in poetry for quite a while in the past.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is beautifully mysterious! Thank you.🤙😎💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Aladin! 😊💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautifully done, Chris! I like your take very much.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad that you liked it.
Thanks so much, Nancy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very welcome, Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I found your poem simply wonderful!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aww, thank you so much, Luisa🌸
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure ❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
An intriguing piece, and a beautiful interpretation of the image, Chris.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s great and thank you, Eugi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh I have so many questions as to why she keeps her mask on in the morning. I gree that this is intriguing. Well done, Chris.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We’ll keep her secret, won’t we?!
Thanks so much, Maria.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Her secret is safe with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This rings true. We are all like that in different ways, aren’t we? 🤔
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, you are right. Often doing different things depends who and what is happening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Her mask gives her due privilege and freedom. Very good Chris.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good point, Darnell!
LikeLike
I truly believe we wear as many masks as we do hats!
May we all feel comfortable to dance… even when others watch!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s right. I’m happier to watch than dance now!😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely mysterious vibe put across, Chris.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Matthew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks very much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the tone of this piece, good work.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Audrey!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful piece. We all wear some sort of mask during the day in society dont we. She feels very real and haunting to me
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad that you liked that – and thank you. It’s interesting that we all hide certain things. .
LikeLiked by 1 person
As someone with DID, the metaphorical use of masks often gives me pause. Am I a mask, or if not, why is the ‘mask’ more socially expressive than I am? There is hiding, and there is hidden. Thank you for the thought.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is very interesting about the ‘mask’. There are many different things – some are open and others are not. Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many people put on their masks in the morning. Very relatable poem, Chris. 👏
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Lesley!
LikeLiked by 1 person
💓
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] My Mask […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] My Mask […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks such much, Joshua.
LikeLike
[…] Chris; My Mask […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
great one! the image compliments it perfectly
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, da-AL😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
So relatable, Chris! Beautifully expressed. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Punam!💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person