The Mask

Living life behind a mask,
Do you feel that you’re up to the task.
Of saying this and feeling that,
Of knowing where everything should be at.

It’s not as easy as it may look,
The twitch of an eye, the choice of a book.
To notice the way that someone walks in,
To see if that smile ever happens again.

It’s hard to see that the hair’s just the same,
To listen to what words are used to proclaim.
To notice the tone of the voice and the sound,
To see if joy or anger are about to abound.

To see someone’s day by the look on their face,
To see if they were victorious in the rat race.
To notice the shirt, is it tucked in just right,
For if it is not, then you know that they might.

Did they say the same thing when they came in today,
Or was it something else that might lead you astray.
Did they have the same smile or was it crooked to one side,
To let you know what in your future may reside.

You must see it all so you know how to react,
To use the right words with just the right tact.
Every last move every simple little smile,
To take in your mind and put it on file.

Each thing is so different when you’re living in fear,
The things that you notice are your survival gear.
Doesn’t matter how you feel, this is the task,
When living a life behind a happy mask.