The 24/7 body pain etched into the creases of his face was one thing, but the twinkle that had left his eyes was another. He couldn’t go on with the ‘I am tough’ persona he used to try to mask the hurt from her. She’d manage the chores, she said. He gave her a hug, let his lips brush over her forehead, picked up his rifle, and opened the door to the predawn light. Today he will hunt for deer. She had given him that when she told him tomorrow she would go with him to the doctor.
99 WORDS...AND A LITTLE BIT MORE
Hallowe’en masks, makeup, hat brims all have one thing in common, they let us hide behind what we don’t think others will recognize.
Masquerade masks and parties have been around forever. Their origin is European, and it was thought the masks were worn by the upper class at balls. Personally, I find this to be a vain start to a tradition that has worked its way through the centuries to become painted art on people’s faces.
No longer does it seem important to hide behind said mask; however, large dollars are spent on sporting the most outrageous, glamorous, facial attire available. Some are truly a work of art, and it is too bad they will be removed with only photographs of their existence left behind.
I mentioned hat brims. The one that comes immediately to my mind is a cowboy hat. Go figure! There is no better way to mask true feelings that ooze from one’s eyes than the use of a hat brim. Pull it down just so, and keep your head at a slight angle downward, meaning no one is going to be able to see into the windows to your soul.
Masking our feelings, our pain, and unfortunately even happiness is a common occurrence. People in general don’t want others to judge them. Yet, it is so much fun to portray ourselves as our inner person. The shocked look on the faces of others is worth the moment of “should I or shouldn’t I” when “should I” wins out.
When we are children, teens and young adults, people call us foolish, impetuous, acting out. When we are in our 30s and 40s, people call us irresponsible. When we get to 50+ years, people say we are losing it, our minds, that is. Well, I am here to tell you, ALL of those people have not lived life to the fullest. They preside behind a mask that has them looking down their nose at everything and everyone.
Living every day as if it were your last, laughing so hard your stomach hurts, or you have to change your underwear, singing to the tunes that bring you joy and tears, and the best saying that has floated around for years, is dancing like no one is watching you.
Don’t mask your life to conform to the way others feel. Let them worry about their own rodeo while you ride in the wind enjoying yours.
Masquerade masks and parties have been around forever. Their origin is European, and it was thought the masks were worn by the upper class at balls. Personally, I find this to be a vain start to a tradition that has worked its way through the centuries to become painted art on people’s faces.
No longer does it seem important to hide behind said mask; however, large dollars are spent on sporting the most outrageous, glamorous, facial attire available. Some are truly a work of art, and it is too bad they will be removed with only photographs of their existence left behind.
I mentioned hat brims. The one that comes immediately to my mind is a cowboy hat. Go figure! There is no better way to mask true feelings that ooze from one’s eyes than the use of a hat brim. Pull it down just so, and keep your head at a slight angle downward, meaning no one is going to be able to see into the windows to your soul.
Masking our feelings, our pain, and unfortunately even happiness is a common occurrence. People in general don’t want others to judge them. Yet, it is so much fun to portray ourselves as our inner person. The shocked look on the faces of others is worth the moment of “should I or shouldn’t I” when “should I” wins out.
When we are children, teens and young adults, people call us foolish, impetuous, acting out. When we are in our 30s and 40s, people call us irresponsible. When we get to 50+ years, people say we are losing it, our minds, that is. Well, I am here to tell you, ALL of those people have not lived life to the fullest. They preside behind a mask that has them looking down their nose at everything and everyone.
Living every day as if it were your last, laughing so hard your stomach hurts, or you have to change your underwear, singing to the tunes that bring you joy and tears, and the best saying that has floated around for years, is dancing like no one is watching you.
Don’t mask your life to conform to the way others feel. Let them worry about their own rodeo while you ride in the wind enjoying yours.
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February 13, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about an intolerable mask. Who is wearing the mask and why? What is so intolerable about the mask? Is there empathy for the one behind the mask? Go where the prompt leads!
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