Hiding behind those masks
Are men, women, toddlers, teens
Trying to feel safe and secure
From a virus they haven’t seen

There is an acute feeling
Of irritation and revulsion
At this added contraption
At this mandatory imposition

I ponder deeply and wonder
As to why this should be pertinent
Why does it feel so awkward
Why does it feel so inconvenient

When we are used to it for centuries
Hiding our emotions and pain
Behind those expressionless eyes
And a forced smiling face

Or for that matter
That feeling of intense revenge
Burning our chests
With the fire of vengeance

Nothing we cannot adjust to
Till we finally emerge victorious
And glide once again, effortlessly
Into our normal make-believe chaos

Subir Chakraborty
16th August 2020