A Mask. Poem by Ann Beard

A mask is something we all wear

to hide the frightened child inside.

We fear one day the mask will tear,

and take away our place to hide.

"What then, " a childish voice will say,

from deep inside the adult frame.

The mask hides pain of dues to pay,

so useful when concealing shame.

There's greed and pity, yes and love,

Grief felt for friends that die, despair,

some thoughts we felt unworthy of,

a mask is something we all wear.





July 2005