the only safe place is behind a mask,

carefully constructed, 

crafted to conceal the ungodly horror,

you sweat, you cry, you bleed beneath this mask,

in a world that would destroy if it noticed you.

a world marching ever forward,

a banner raised with a cross,

emblazoned bright red and burning,

the word love beneath it.

now the wounds are sore and infected,

but you don't dare remove the mask,

to do so would mean a new banner would be raised,

painted with your blood the words jesus saves