Drifting along the crowded halls,
bell vibrations fill the air,
movement all around me,
like insects skittering to their holes.

I see their façade faces;
their camouflage.
I mourn for their dying true selves;
but my sympathies go unanswered.

They attack me for my care-
scurrying to a room, escaping the swarm,
still feeling their stings-
yet my chrysalis offers no comfort.

On the shimmering surface,
I see my reflection dimly.
The face staring back is a stranger.
I sigh and don my mask once more.