Masks — Summary

I have too many masks Too many to count I put them on in public Can feel my face shift when I play the part I need to show the outside world It scares me a little But I hide that too But I can tell you that my eyes give it away if you look just right If you manage to catch it when the sun hits them just right you can tell You can see what emotion I'm feeling Every. Single. Damn. Time.

Show the whole poemHide the poem

Learn Poems app

Try the Learn Poems app

Everything from the website trainer, and more: new exercises, voice recording and sharing, reminders, quick review.

The speaker describes living with so many social masks that counting them is impossible. In public, they slip into whatever role the moment requires, and they can actually feel their face change as they do it. That sensation frightens them a little, but the poem admits they hide even that fear, so the concealment goes all the way down.

Then the tone turns. The speaker says the disguise isn't perfect: their eyes give them away. If someone looks closely, especially when sunlight catches them, the real emotion shows through. The ending hits hard. "Every. Single. Damn. Time." is broken into separate words, and the pause after each one makes it sound like frustration, relief, or maybe both. The speaker may be tired of performing, yet also quietly hoping to be seen. The mood is vulnerable and confiding, as if the speaker is finally letting one person in on the secret.

Read also

More by SmallStarWanderer

All poems
DreamySmallStarWanderer

I am

I am in love with the sun But I do not revolve around it like the earth does I am in love with the sky But I do not yearn for the freedom it possesses like the birds do
InspiredSmallStarWanderer

Runaway

Run away from your troubles for awhile. Rest in my memories, I will guide you while you sleep. When you wake, arm yourself with what you now know. Be wary, but go forth proudly.
ContemplativeSmallStarWanderer

Vulnerable

I feel a little vulnerable Showing this to you Showing you a part of myself that I thought I left behind But bad habits die hard