The Mask We Wear Poem by James McLain

Is thin and without color to the eye.
It hides the sadness and the joy a mask can't cry.
People smile when they are sad,
and feel great joy where others turn away.

Greatness waits with bated breath to hear each suborned lie.
If behind the mask some strain to pay their children's debts
as those whom hide behind their masks expect from you much more.
Old age wears down the corners of cracked lips.

Utterance's spoken can not reach through to the ear,
Counting all the sheep that pour right through the open gate.
Is the world more wise behind the mask their father's wore,
To thee of your one God the mask can't hide.