The Mask Author Unknown WORTH THE READ

I think this is a great inspirational poem. I have read it several times over the years, and each time I make a mental note of where I am at in the poem. I know I have a lot more weight to lose however I took a mental note today of where I am and I am toward the end of the poem. Years ago, I found this in some 12 step literature and I loved it, even though when I read the poem for the first time it made me very sad.

The Mask

I have this little mask

I wear it every day

It's not my favorite thing to do

But it keeps the pain at bay

I've had this mask forever

It's such a part of me

I can run and hide from you

And the mask is all you'll see

I really do not like it

This mask I wear so much

But it really helps me hide my fears

The tears, the pain and such

The mask I've learned to live with

The pain, I just have not

But I hurt so much inside of me

The mask is all I've got

I'm screaming on the inside

I'm hurt and filled with pain

But when my mask is in its place

You cannot tell that I'm insane

It's been the very best of friends

And my greatest enemy, too

When things get tough and I cannot cope

The mask I'll show to you

But along into my life

Comes this support group YEY!

It tries to strip away my mask

and make me live today

I struggle every day

To keep my mask in place

But because of our support group

It no longer fits my face

I want to hold it near to me

This mask I hate so much

But my program just won't let me

Because it makes me stay in touch

My mask has started slipping

It came off just today

It really truly had to

So I could wipe my tears away

My God in Heaven does for me

What I could never do

He strips away my mask for me

And He'll do it for you, too

So here it is, my question

I'll ask of you my friend

Can you let God take your mask

And allow your pain to end?

I know that we can do it

Together we are strong

And with our Father’s help

There is nothing we'll do wrong

I give my mask up to God

The strength He gives to me

Take my hand and walk the path

To the road which sets us free

I know that we can do it

He loves us very much

He's always there to help us

We just have to keep it up

I am so very thankful

for all the gifts and giving

My mask is totally stripped from me

And I am thrilled to be living!

— Reprinted from Lifeline, June 1999 Author Unknown

Small revisions were thoughtfully and respectfully made by Jacquelyn Bolton