Masks Poem by Atara Gedalowitz

What masks we wear,
What feelings and words
We suppress; and why?
Because they are too deep,
Because we fear our selves and others?
The hurt, the love, the shame, the pride
We stow and tuck away
What would happen if we could,
If we would, open up and share
If we could bare our souls
Let others be exposed to the torrent
Emotions, thoughts, feelings
It might be the best thing for us
But it could just as easily be the worst
We hide to shelter
We keep ourselves in check
We won't let go
What's mine is mine
What's yours is yours
We can't unbind - we might collapse
Slip on your mask, your facade
This deception for our protection