A Mask-Less Man

I could see he was not playing a part, not following any script, nor was he courting approval or agreement. He was plain speaking and yet he had a natural way about him that attracted many. He did not hide behind a mask. I knew I could not wear my own mask in his presence, I had to take mine off, be shorn of any pretense. Alas my mask had stuck and even though I tried, and tried, and tried, I kept speaking through it as if it were really me.