Laugh.

Smile.

Agree.

Don’t fight.

 

You’re getting too close.

 

Slam the door.

Pull the blinds.

Cut the ties.

Leave them behind.

 

You’re getting too close.

 

Everyone has a mask,

this one translucent and tricky.

 

This mask is clear,

yet shows only the mask beneath it.

 

A mask behind a mask—

layers and layers of masks.

 

Mother’s tell their kin to wear layers

to protect them from the cold.