I walk among you

mask in place

frozen

And nobody sees

the flicker

behind the mask

I’m real

I’m alive

There’s so much darkness here.

But I’ll hide it

so you’ll love me

because who could love a creature of shadow?

No, I’ll be light and joy and warmth

You adore that. I’ve seen it.

And if my mask is smooth and uncracked

frozen smile

frozen light

you’ll adore me too.

Please.