hoary masks flung upon
the vulnerable seat of the soul
coloured by forced smiles
edgy laughter
so to insulate
so to fling aside
jabbing decrees
shaped by small minds
unaware, the finger of truth
already pierces their own
fractured, throbbing misery
know this
not thick skin
not vengeful barbs
not mask upon mask
upon mask
safeguard abuse and grief
only those formidable scars
bear robust lessens
lending resilience
so when the sting comes
quick to heal, you’ll be
poem and picture © 2012 by DC Lessoway
