Behind The Mask

I wake

I have always worn a mask, now it's visible

My feelings

I have always hidden, now my frown concealed

My sorrow

Masked behind cloth

Loops of elastic pulled tightly around each ear

My comfort

Emotions unnoticed 

My gaze

Catching glances

My wonder

How long will this last

Six feet of separation 

Distance

What festers

The desire to draw closer

It's my turn at the counter

His gaze

Age spot stamped across his forehead

I approach

Tiny creases begin cascading from his eyes 

His mask

It covers what lies beneath 

His smile

Muscles relax , the corners of my lips curl slightly

My mask 

Only I know

Connection

For a brief second

Six feet of separation was lost