Mask

Like a turtle under a carapace I feel secure in this mask. It is now my shield and armour. It sticks close to my face. It has become my identity. And I live a life apart from life! Among the masqueraded faces I feel I do rightly belong With the mask on, I can smile, when I want to frown It makes me seem at the mount of joy when I lie at the nadir of gloom It makes me appear composed when there is a scalding cauldron inside, camouflaging my wails into songs I need a mask to appear normal, to keep my insanity hidden But how long can I wear this mask? It suffocates me and I labor to breathe free I want to take it off.....! I want to feel the inner me. But as it sticks so close to my skin I have to peel it off and I may bleed Still.... I long to get rid of it But if I peel it off, will it suffocate you?