today

almost never know what to say
i let the words out anyway
sometimes they end up okay
but i don't always know
one way or the other

i wear a face-like mask
won't deny, but no one ever asks
removal is a daunting task
alone // no one left to care
one way or the other

exhausted hopeless aching drained
i pretend // relentless pain
will i ever laugh again
does anyone else wonder
one way or the other

April 2001