Pause for poetry: Richard Orlando

To Mask or Not to Mask

A poem by Richard Orlando

Should you wear a face mask?
Why would you even ask?

Don’t be dense! It’s common sense!
(don’t tempt fate or providence).

Some of you masked indeed may feel
that maskwear’s not le beau ideal

Or feel arguably conspicuous,
or even vaguely ridiculous.

Alas the problem may be vanity,
the way rings through nostrils is insanity.

Or, like those with beards who know the feeling
of what we might in essence be concealing.

Perhaps a mask with some bright design
may be just the thing to make you shine.

But also remember that your eyes still have it,
because they too can smile, brighten and benefit.

Feature image: StockPholio.com

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