ELLA

THE PAINTED FACE

By Erica Lewis

Did you see the mask I wore yesterday?

It was pink with purple stripes.

Today I put on a new one.

It is black with white hollow eyes.

With my painted face I hide.

I smile and tell lies.

I put on the mask

And reveal a character within.

Which one will I pick?

Green, yellow, or red?

How about orange instead?

Who will I reveal?

What will she do?

Not even I can tell.

Sometimes the mask chooses me.

The painting of the flesh is such a mystery to me.

I feel trapped in a cage.

Only in death will I be set free.

Who am I inside?

What is it that I hide?

If I don’t know then how can I be true?

Is it all hopeless?

Is there anything that I can do?