What mask you shine forth
Denigrated,
Frustrated,
Medicated

Is she here?
Has he left?
It’s this darkness;
It’s this fear.

Disappearing connections.
Tired old dreams.
Like a second hand
Mariachi band
In Belem.

See how the girls fawn
Over the aging musicians?
See how the boys kill
Over barbaric creeds
Of centuries ago?

Disconnected
Rejected
Desperation
Fantasy

Did it go like you thought?
Did it make you feel dirty?
Did love become shame?
Were you discarded?

Fervent beliefs
Of ancient codes
Ruined your happiness.
Left you alone.

Did you want to see
The evidence?
No, you shunned reason
You put it all out there.

You were gutted.
Slammed the wheel,
The dashboard
As anguish became your companion.

As youth became loss
And hope made you drown
Expectations unfulfilled.

But did you not learn?
Did you not become wiser?
Did you return to your own vomit?
Did you look at that reflection?
Did you change?

Yes, you got through it.
You didn’t believe you could.
You opened your soul
Then put up a gate
Where only the true could enter.

You found your heart,
Snuggled down
In the safe place.
In the temple of peace
That cannot be violated.

And along came that one.
Connection re-found.
Today’s harmony,
Tomorrow’s gratitude.