THE MASK
She walks past you, ignoring your smile
To fly off to please a superior swarm
She derides other women with a vicious glance
Trots towards the men to work her charm
He strolls in the room in an air balloon
Throws on her a cloudy, lackluster glance
“oh damn, I’d have to tolerate her again”
Keeps an arm on her waist to add “woman you’re a star”
She waves the compliment with a proud smirk
Prays her dress conceals her belly fat
He cracks a joke, she splits in hilarity jerks
And feels that he’s a lame witted rat
Oh and see the pretense for the photography circus
Perfect masks to make this alliance last
Each with their own sense of purpose
Each trying to mould in the cluster fast
They shout their opinions, but nobody’s listening
They display affections but nothing’s existing
They live in charade, a parade of hollow bling
Living lavish a fleeting moment that’s not subsisting
Dare you be yourself for you will perish
They will call you a slow ,un-cool fool and jeer
But I assure you’d be happier and cherish
The person you return to when you see the mirror.
Girl in the Mirror - Shikha Pathak 