Harlequin’s Mask

Can you see me?

The real me?

The one who stands behind the woman I show?

With harlequin mask

gilded tears in the corners

a reality

a truth

I cannot bury.

I mouth the words you need to hear

the platitudes

the I am okay’s

so you can have respite.

Respite from my pain

respite from my need

respite from my everything.

I am sorry to bother

allow me to retreat

and the facade shall return.

Ignore the silver tears that are real

escaping from beneath

the harlequin’s mask.

©Jay-lyn Doerksen

December 4/17