under the veneer

there's no hiding when the doctor takes my weights. I can choose to turn my back and carry on oblivious. this doesn't change the facts of who I am and where I'm at.

there's no hiding when the needle takes my blood. the pathologist is friendly and I can entertain her questions about the weather and my lunch. she clocks off in twenty minutes and can't wait to get home for hers. the charade is harmless and holds no sway on whatever the machine will say.

there's no hiding when the sky falls. what time is there for inhibitions when the world is ending? I keep up my appearances through gritted teeth. they start to slip in the dark. are you hanging onto yours? I've been hiding for a while. it feels much safer in my armour. but there's no changing who and how I am under the veneer.

there is a bird at your window. he can't help that he cares.