ONE LIFE AT A TIME
 

The world where we live,
where no one believes, or trusts,
everyone assuming everyone is trying to hurt him,
full of take, rather than give.

Children learn at such a early age,
that people all wear a mask,
never saying what they really feel,
children write it into their page.

The earlier in life the mask goes on,
the harder to remove later,
reasons will be long forgotten,
after all the memories are gone.

Each of us has that time,
gazing in the mirror,
when we gulp and must admit,
that this face isn't mine.

We each are so aware,
of the passing of our time,
while wearing that mask each day,
wishing someone would care.

Each of us thinks we are alone,
in this feeling of self guilt,
as we aren't fooling ourself,
as our gulp in the mirror has shown.

We'd all be shocked to look around,
and realize people are all the same,
all wearing that mask to hide from self,
but secretly wanting to be found.

We all need the same things each day,
to be wanted, needed, respected and loved,
to have a friend, share a smile and laugh,
listening to what each has to say.

But people, the strangers that we be,
can't admit to needing help early on,
until it is desperate do they seek help,
much too late, but they don't see.

Many wear this mask for life,
and find it easier to disrobe,
than ever removing this mask,
even between a man and his wife.

So, why the pain, why this game,
as no one enjoys the mask,
we all want to be free to be ourself,
can't we see that we are all the same?

What is the key to this task at hand,
it is that people have no hope,
don't trust, believe or really care,
and afraid to take their stand?

We need to reach out and try,
and let a trust be built,
one person at a time,
love will be the reason why.

This mask we wear is not a natural thing,
it is one we created ourself,
to not be exposed for or wants and needs,
not be exposed for the feeling it would bring.

I say to you, all my friends,
to send this to all you know,
let us start one person at a time,
and begin before the next day ends.
 

©Written by: Ed Kassirer
October 15, 2000