During the pandemic, masks protected us
They were the bane of disease,
A shield medically necessary to keep us alive and well.
I still use them at times to keep myself and others safe.

Masks also protect one’s identity
They offer a wall to hide behind,
Preventing anyone from seeing the worst
And allowing you to be a shadow rather than yourself.

But when life gets hard
And a walk becomes a run
The mask shoots heat back into your face
Without letting any fresh air in

And if you start to drown
The fabric clings to your head
Even after you emerge from the water
It suffocates