He said,
we all wear masks,
and
a taxidermied squirrel was grabbed
and paraded around the room
to demonstrate
appreciation.

It was unsustainable
pushed back
because the lack of that
was interpreted offensively
a naked stand on sacred metaphors
that brought a sermon on the need
for common decency

Heads shaking all around
tut-tuts
and cracks: no sensibility.

The chain-store Santa said
there seems to be a problem:
a sentiment that met a lot of sympathy.

Why aren’t you smiling?

Someone asked.

Eyes are on the scene
And it’s not delivering on the
spoon-fed adaptation we’re supposed to eat

We wear a mask, he said.
If you don’t understand
Then try some meds, he said

It’s metaphorical, you know
Meant as practical
Expected to cover the messes
Of the actual
Take a break – breathe, step back
and understand:
Unmasked is unacceptable

The cracks are seeping
It’s not a path; more an ask
to keep nakedness discrete
Reel it in
Keep it clean
When they ask
Tell them everything is keen

Just like it’s always been