We wear our masks
we nod
we talk with our eyes
to greet
with hidden face
no smile
invisible words beneath
the layers
of fabric that hides
the spread
viral droplets of fear
moist reality.
Facial non-recognition
the mask
dressed for a hold up
we shop
we move incognisant
unseen
struggling to be heard
muffled
incomprehensible conversation
confusion
intentions colourfully clothed
misunderstood.
Finding it hard to breath
it’s hard
but beneath the covering
is relief
no longer hiding behind
false smiles
no pressure to perform
the ritual
as we swap our masks
we replace
disguises of conformity
with cloth.
Ciaran Burke
