We all wear them day by day,

and, they show more than what we say.

Am I a lover of art, and things of beauty?

Or, today am I bound to do my duty?

Am I wife, teacher, mother, grandmother, poet?

Watch what I do, and I will show it.

You can recognize me if you pay attention,

and you’ll see I’m all  I mention.

Am I gardener, kayaker, nature lover, reader?

Am I on the river, or in my garden as seeder?

Am I with my grandkids on their farm?

Am I in their creek, or in their barn?

Am I at school trying to help kids learn?

Am I trying to help a life to turn?

Am I at home where I long to be?

Or, am I out for the world to see?

We wear our masks to keep us safe-

To fit in when life might chafe.

Whatever mask I don today, and whether I go or whether I stay,

I hope I’m making the world better,

As I’m all of these things right down to the letter.

I’m all of these things and so much more.

So remember-

Life is rich and life is beautiful, and sometimes you pour

your heart into something, and need even more.

Keep moving forward, but look back at times,

and you’ll find a life as rich as mine.

So, when I put on that final mask, I hope that others can say-

She made the world a better place each and every day.