A mask or a memory?

I PLEAD WITH YOU...to understand this. It’s a very real thing.

A mask or a memory?

Such troubling times,
In this world we live.
You all scoff at us,
But we still forgive.

Some say “that’s not real.”
“Stop being selfish.”
I want you to really see,
But it’s only a wish.

“Why aren’t you wearing a mask?”
She says, “I have a medical condition.”
Doesn’t want further questions,
Leave it be and listen.

She really cannot breath,
And let me tell you why.
The mask is the hand,
She remembers her attacker by.

It’s always random,
He still haunts her.
Your face is covered,
But your eyes match her monster.

She begins to breath harder,
Like his weights on her body.
And the store morphs to a memory,
Something so ungodly.

While you belittle her,
She’s starting to get worse.
“Be quiet.” Hand over her mouth,
You made her relive this curse.

With every question,
Of “where’s your mask?”
Or “Don’t you care about me?”
Was the same question she will never ask.

So when you see us in the store,
Do not just assume.
Because we live daily with our monsters,
And we don’t need reminded from you.

Reviews

[Patricia]

Brilliant and enlightening and as a nurse that has worked in many fields this is one that people don’t consider…they should and you helped to bring it to light. Well done.

[Courtney Hough]

Thankyou so much!! It’s been a really hard ride with inconsiderate people for sure

[Levi Levin]

Very good rhythm and rhyme!

[Ballpark Frank]

This is incredibly powerful....and so timely. You really grabbed my attention here.

[Courtney Hough]

Thankyou for your open mind!

[Chris]

For all we "think" we deal only to find out fear is just a breath away...

[Crowley]

In this one size fits all world, sometimes we don’t stop to consider things such as this. We are quick to judge, quick to temper and usually not walking the walk anyway. Great and brave social comment and great writing.

[Courtney Hough]

That’s exactly right. It’s so easy to see someone who’s not able to do something as wrong isn’t it. Just a gentle reminder to reflect inward. Thanks for reading!

[Kay/Hayden]

Wow! I thought at first this was just a poem about the importance of wearing a mask. As someone who can't wear a mask in public areas, I could relate to this in some aspects (Not the hand part) I really dearly hope this is not a poem about your own experiences, if it is though, I'm glad you wrote it out to let off some steam and I hope you are doing better now. Keep writing and have a great Thanksgiving!

[Courtney Hough]

Thanks so much for reviewing! Unfortunately it is. But there are a few of us who’ve been attacked saying “it’s just an excuse.” I thought it important to share. Thanks so much for reading and understanding. Happy thanksgiving and holidays ahead!:)

[Kay/Hayden]

Aw, I really hope you are doing better now, and also your baby looks adorable! c;

[Just Kim]

such powerful write here, nicely done and well expressed

[Courtney Hough]

Thanks so much!:)

[Serendipity Planet]

I love your poem ,
I love your honesty
Brave and powerful words
I didn't know that wearinf a mask now can send you to those memories you and other girls would try to forget

[Courtney Hough]

That’s exactly why I wrote it! People don’t know and start attacking others. I’m so glad you liked it:)