In the parking lot now
I turn off the engine
And sit

Smoothing the skirt over my legs
I look down

Toenails a lovely coral shade
Setting off the subdued greens and browns
Of this skirt

Hand on the door now
I cannot open it
I stay in the car seat
Trembling…

I did not wear my mask

How strange…

I come here nearly every day
But always in my mask

I had hoped
Today
Things might change…

But drive home again

My mask and I go way back
It helps me feel like one of the boys