2020 Masks
days of yore
on the radio
that masked man
followed by
the thunder of hoof beats.
now, no hoof beats
thumping heart beats
hiding behind that paper mask
that medical grade surgical mask
or that piece of fashion mask
Are we in
an annual, biennial or dreaded perennial
mask year
mask as a disguise
playful or sinister
intention is prevention
hiding droplets
to protect others
Instagram search
finds many masks
funny serious gorgeous
or mundane
a zebra mask
a leopard mask
but no ant eater
or elephant masks.
masks do little
to hide our pain.
by Janet Brugos