Masks, in Haiku

I forgot my mask

I feel radioactive

Naked panic. Search!

I’m suffocating

Itchy, hot, hidden, protected.

Every day I hide

I have pretty eyes

And a double chin under there

That I can disguise

Hey, what did you say?

I stare hard at a hidden mouth

Please yell from over there.

I forget your smile

Only your smize remains now

You speak with your eyes

Matching the outfit

Sequins or silk, plain or glam

My newest last touch

I’m mysterious

In sultry face lingerie

Just a peek of my eye

Mask up Monday

No corona Tuesday please

Free the face at home.

When Tommy and I were backpacking around the world, we would each write a haiku when we left every destination. Focusing and trying to distill the essence of a place or an experience into a rigid and very short form disciplines me to find something I can’t identify as well when I can write all the words I want. Now, haiku fill me with a rush of nostalgia for that writing experience. Since I can’t travel, I’ll channel that feeling of capturing a travel experience through haiku.

Mask up, friends.