Is it any wonder

that in this life we strive.

Searching, seeking,

and trying to survive.

Be it rich man, or poor man,

 we all have a need.

Be it to just fit in,

 or even to succeed.

For

Throughout life,

 many a mask we try.

Looking for the one

 that may be, 

 What we only wish to be.

 Still some choose

 their mask unwisely

And it soon brings shame.

While others look

 for one of happiness

 others still,

seek the one to bring fame.

Yea though,

Even in that,

 a true mask, it is not,

For everyone we try on,

does not accurately portray

the real we.

 And every attempt is in vain,

For

You cannot mask the soul

 that is really thee.

 For when one tries,

all one does

Is peer through empty

 and hollow eyes.

For the truth lay open

 for all to see,

No matter what

 the mask may be.

For the soul that hides

 behind this mask

 Hides only in vanity.

 Yet this disguise,

we continue to wear

Be it of shame or fame,

 And through it all

It all comes down to this

 effortless claim,

That many are not

 who they allege to be.

For they are caught up

 in life’s vanity.

So cast aside this mask

 that from behind

You hide,

 and try on another,

 Called

Humility.

 J. Allen Wilson © 2003