Unmasked

An era full of virtual meetings,

of hiding my real self behind a screen

I saw it as a time of true relief

for there were colors I refused to see

Anxieties concealed with ease,

my insecurities were blurred onscreen

Lonely were my mirror and reflection

For all I could see was blemished skin

I’d glance away, because I couldn’t bear

To see the painful marks, at which they’d glare.

Now, these scars were only shown around the home

For me to pick and puncture on my own

Pink freckles strewn across my crimson cheeks

Made me grateful that I never had to leave.

But the world is going back to normal-

For a year, we’ve all been vulnerable

Time to go back to how things were before

Except now we’ve all revealed much more

We struggle everyday, often the same

We failed to see it before, but this can change.

Since everyone has things they wish were gone,

I knew I couldn’t be the only one

Parading shades of pink across my face

Determined, I was not a “big disgrace”.

I gained the strength to show herself again-

I now find comfort in what lies ahead.