gone are the smiles you’re used to seeing
hidden behind masks meant to protect
gone are the hugs you used to look forward to
even the ones you least expect
from people you love and cherish
or those you only see a few times a year
gone is everything you used to take for granted
that loving touch from someone you hold dear
so we put on a brave face behind the masks we wear
making sure our smiles are evident in our eyes
as we remind ourselves that there’s much to be thankful for
our good health, our homes, the clear blue skies
when this is over, we shall all meet again
we’ll hug each other and hold on fast
we’ll let the masks fall, one by one
revealing a quiet resilience that’s meant to last
Morrighan's Muse 