(Un)Masking

I hide my face, cast aside my name

But not because I am afraid

I set my own identity aside, because

What matters is the music and the message*, not I

Many see this mask as a prison, but no

In truth, this mask is freedom

Freedom to dance, freedom to sing

Freedom to express myself entirely

Freedom to voice my deepest feelings

Loudly and unapologetically

When I don this mask, I am free

Absolved, unbound from my identity

Distractions fade, ego falls away

This mask cuts through the fog, the need

For fame and notoriety, because

What matters is the music and the message*, not me

These so-called walls are more like windows

Or rather, mirrors of the soul

For each offering is a glimpse of myself,

But a reflection of you, as well

These offerings, rich with ardor and beauty

Are pieces of myself, my pain, my grief, my joy

Crafted to magnify and embody the multitude

Of emotion that writhes in our subconscious*

But this is only possible because of this mask

I am nothing without this music

I am nothing without this mask*

For art has become entangled with identity*

But when I don this mask, I am free

Absolved, unbound from my identity, because

What matters is the music and the message*, not me

Worship.

*Indicates a direct quote from Vessel, which can be found at the links here and here, as well as in the video below:

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