Home » Poems » Ilene Bauer » Wearing a Mask

Wearing a Mask

We have to wear masks now in public. Executive order’s been made So we must embrace Cloth to cover the face Because everyone’s really afraid. It could be a scarf or bandanna As long as the mouth and the nose Are hidden behind What is hoped to remind Us of germs other folks may expose. My version, home-made out of cotton, Loops each ear with a ponytail tie. I hate how it feels But its usage reveals That I’m doing my part to comply.

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Cecilia Macfarlane

Date: 4/22/2020 7:47:00 PM

I wear masks so frequently, my face feels weird when I take it off. Great write. Hugs

Maurice Rigoler

Date: 4/17/2020 7:48:00 PM

I have at least a year's supply of maska which I purchased last year, can't remember why! Then last week a lady friend made one for me, as if I needed another one? So sorry to learn of so many you know who have contracted the virus. So far no one I'm close to has it. I follow the rules to stay out of trouble. / M

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 4/17/2020 1:38:00 PM

A good up to date piece on the present world crisis ilene, with nice rhyme and flow. Hope you're doing ok, keep well and safe, Blessings,Gordon

Ilene Bauer
Date: 4/17/2020 3:57:00 PM

thank you, gordon! i'm doing fine and reluctantly wearing my mask. hope you're doing well in your part of the world...

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 4/17/2020 12:33:00 PM

I am hoping the pandemic is a hoax and we will all have a great laugh because I speak to people all over weekly and not one of them knows anyone who has it, but in case it is not a big hoax, this poem makes great sense.

Ilene Bauer
Date: 4/17/2020 3:55:00 PM

my brother in colorado is recovering from it, my 35 year old nephew and his wife in england both have it and, 5 weeks later are still struggling to get better, my close friend's husband has it and is recovering and the husband of a colleague of mine died from it, as did someone my husband volunteers with in a museum. it's real...

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/16/2020 6:37:00 PM

Good one. People are getting really creative with these. Mine is just standard white one. I don't know how, but hubbie got hold of some for me and him. I actually wish our state would enforce it. In my favorite grocery store, I see only about 50% of folks doing it . I am amazed people out with their small kids maskless in the stores.

Ilene Bauer
Date: 4/17/2020 3:59:00 PM

in new york, it's a requirement to wear when you're in public (unless you can safely distance yourself from others) and in stores or on public transportation. most people are complying...

John Watt

Date: 4/16/2020 3:37:00 PM

Good for you, Ilene. I quietly cringe when I see people in public not wearing the mask. Probably for no reason, but that's what this pandemic has done: made everybody a nervous Nelly! Great write, my friend. Keep up your "rhymes of the times"!

Ilene Bauer
Date: 4/17/2020 4:01:00 PM

thank you, john! most people i pass on my early morning walks are wearing them but some still strut right down the middle of the sidewalk instead of staying on the sides and i have to hold myself back from saying something. it's not worth it to get into an argument but, yes, we're all nervous...

Rico Leffanta

Date: 4/16/2020 1:32:00 PM

Your work always shows a mastery of the language! Well done! But face masks direct every exhale into the eyes where gravity helps the descent of "germs" into the sinuses and lungs! Wear goggles and feel safer on your morning jaunts! Aloha! Rico

Ilene Bauer
Date: 4/17/2020 4:03:00 PM

thank you for your kind words, rico! i'm sure the masks don't do much but i guess they make people feel better when they pass each other on the street. don't know how i'd feel wearing goggles, though...