Masking

Be normal,

focus on their eyes, lips, eyes, lips,

not too long or they'll notice.

Forehead, forehead, forehead,

what's that sound? It hurts,

I feel like I am being watched, do they know?

Shield! Put on the shield!

Breathe slowly, not too slowly,

don't think

just be.

Blink enough, stop talking when they make that face,

you know the one.

Are they mad? Are they happy? What do I say?

Just nod,

am I smiling?

How do I look?

Brain please stop, please.

The spectrum of noise

it's ants beneath my skin,

crawl crawl crawl

grab your mask and put it on,

let them think you're fine.