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I.
It used to be
the masks we wore
were of the metaphorical variety
Invisible filters we carefully place
to accentuate a facet of ourselves
to meet expectations
to hide our flaws
Changing masks an invisible act
as we screen ourselves
for each new encounter
each new social media post
II.
But the world has changed
and now the masks we wear
are the literal kind.
Sewn with our own two hands
a bandanna hastily dug out of a closet corner
disposable paper handed out by an employer
cut up old t-shirt with repurposed hair ties
Bought off Etsy in a carefully chosen fabric
taken from the garage of woodworking tools,
repurposed for everyday life
made with love by a friendly quilter
III.
Like the metaphorical masks,
these varied expressions of a new normal
speak volumes without a word
Couture or makeshift
Workhorse or disposable
Worn under the nose or over
hanging off one ear
The absent mask a sign of
lack of access
fear of racial profiling
skepticism or defiance
IV.
Like places where other masks fall away
their absence also a secret language
signals of closeness and access
The language of flowers and fans of old
gives way to an etiquette of masks
new rules for what is polite and courteous
what is rude and callous
It's just the beginning
but anything so ubiquitous (we hope)
will bring new ways of judging
by the style of one's face covering (or lack thereof)
V.
The physical effect, much like the pressure
of filtered photos and curated selves
stifling, muffling, claustrophobic
Blocking communication
Restricting access to lips to read
Diminishing voices headed to hearing aids
Hiding smiles and grimaces alike
Barriers pre-existing
growing higher
that which helps protect
also excludes
VI.
What should be a civil conversation
of etiquette and style
of relationship and access
Instead has become accusations
of oppression and trampled rights
worthy of armed protest
and threats against those earning minimum wage
A sign of government control, overreach
the same rationale that calls for less regulation
Rolling back the very rules that keep us safe
Whether water quality or disease prevention
VII.
Why do we fight the things that protect us?
What do we really fear?
But, hey, at least y'all will stop telling me to smile.
Sarah Kingsbery
May 3, 2020
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