"Human?"

A mask worn
To cover and protect
A person, a soul
A life
A protective barrier
Hiding that which lies
Inherent in the personality
A wall of deception
Of deceit

Why?
Why wear this mask
This barrier between you and I
Why put more between us
Adding to that which already
Separates us infinitely
That entity of fiber
Of wire
Of electronics
What have you to hide?
What fear you of me?

A light gleams
Small at first
Growing slowly
The light of understanding
My eyes are opened
My thoughts cleared
Of course
I understand now
It is not me you hide from
But those others around us
Still, the understanding is limited
What for do you hide this?
Do you lack faith
In the wisdom and acceptance
Of those nearby?
Do you believe them
Unable to trust you?
To understand you?

The light gleams brighter
As I follow a conversation
Two people
Tied by a bond
Of plastic and metal
Knowing
Yet not knowing
The person at the other end
One bares their soul
The other closes off
Loses respect
Talks down to them
Tarnishes the beauty
The faith
Of the one unmasked

To all who visit
Lend an ear
Listen to the words
I do not say
Feel that which lies
As a bond between us all
And have respect
For each and every person
Here and nearby
We are all human
We all have emotions
And we can all be hurt
Before you deride the one before you
Before you degrade their trust
Think
Feel
Understand them
We are all human
Even I