Every morning

you paint the mask

and when I ask

you say,

“It makes me feel good.

I like the way

it gives me confidence

to face the day.

It gives me control

of what I display.”

I respect your answer

but it is undisputable

that you are beautiful

with or without it.

You may not want me

to ask it,

but maybe for today

or just a little bit

leave the mask off.

You don’t need it.

©ck’s days 2023