March 2023

Earnest Eyes I sit and stare At the mask I have to wear. When I go to school, I see a sign that says, “Wear your mask and be cool.” I feel like a caged bird. I get no say, Not in any way. I feel too self-conscious at recess to take it off. Or when I cough. After a year and a half of being stuck in this place, I start to feel ashamed of my face.