Caren Krutsinger Poet Free verse

My Mask

If I show you the real me
How soon will you laugh 
Or turn away or hurt my soul?

I keep my heart hidden behind this mask.
She is doing her job, because so far
you have no idea who I am

I shall keep it this way, for I have been hurt
crucified and annihilated 
I am broken, bruised, 
I do not want you to see my black and blues

I keep my real self-hidden
not sure if I can ever show you
who I am

for fear you will reject me
and be repulsed by who you see.
today I may change my mask a tiny bit

give you a peek at my dazzle self
choose the pink one with sequins
but I will be wearing one
when I am with you

for I could not bear
for you to reject me too

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Gershon Wolf July 6, 2021 at 7:47 PM Interesting ink you've spilled here, friend. It gives the lie to the idea that we 'had to get used to wearing masks.' We've been wearing them almost all our lives, haven't we?! Love this poem. :) gw

Maurice Rigoler July 6, 2021 at 4:48 AM I like you just as you truly are, Karen dear. I wouldn't be fooled by a mask. Thanks much for reading "Going to Heaven". BTW, if you sent me a Soup Mail I wasn't able to open it, a malfunction I suspect. Sorry. / Maurice

Quoth Theraven July 5, 2021 at 11:07 PM Caren, Masks, we all wear 'em. Be who you are, no one can ever ask for anything more. Certainly not me. -Richard Caren Krutsinger July 6, 2021 at 2:41 AM thank you Richard. This was written for a particular contest; it does not reflect me at all. I have no mask even when I am wearing one.

Bj Legros Kelley July 5, 2021 at 2:14 PM This is the heart of a true poet. Multifaceted and deeply sensitive feelings. People often ask "What was the poet saying here?" because even poetry is somewhat masked. Rejection and harsh criticism destroy. I relate to your poem deeply, we need to protect our hearts. You are brilliant, and you are well loved and received here Caren, reaching out to others and pouring out your many poems. This is a relevant write to many a poet I'm sure, and probably everyone else in between! Caren Krutsinger July 6, 2021 at 2:41 AM Thank you so much BJ I treasure this comment. Wow!

Ilene Bauer July 5, 2021 at 10:21 AM I don’t see how anyone could reject your “dazzle self,” Caren, but then again, people always manage to disappoint us, don’t they? Great poem… Caren Krutsinger July 6, 2021 at 2:41 AM Hahaha It is not EASY, Irene. Like my daughter says "Who can get angry with Mary Poppins?"

L Milton Hankins July 5, 2021 at 8:49 AM Rejection is so hurtful. Self-preservation demands that we wear a mask sometimes. Good writing, Caren. Caren Krutsinger July 6, 2021 at 2:42 AM Thanks Hank. I appreciate it.