Thou, Mask

Say some: Thou, Mask

Symbol of my oppression

That which the State requires of me

A useless accessory

Strangling me

Choking me

Depriving me of freedom

I reject thee, oh oppressive symbol

And call on my fellow patriots

To reject thee as well

Thou symbol of oppression

Thou, Mask

Say others: Thou, Mask

Symbol of my empathy

That which I don in service to others

The shield I take up

Protecting my fellows

Affording them defense

Containing contagion

I embrace thee, oh empathetic symbol

And call on my fellow patriots

To embrace thee as well

Thou symbol of empathy

Thou, Mask

Say I: Thou, Mask

Symbol of my hope

And my despair

A simple shard of cloth

Whose presence will protect me

Whose absence may condemn me

Both being outside my choice

But rather within the control of others

I pray for thee

Oh, symbol of hope

And pray my fellows

Choose hope over oppression

Empathy over selfishness

For to choose thee, oh mask

Gives me hope

For myself, and for humanity

And to reject thee

Oppresses me

Thus I call upon my fellow patriots

To embrace thee

Thou symbol of hope

Thou, Mask

By Mike Turner

From: United States

Website: http://www.MikeTurnerSongwriter.com

Twitter: SchoonerSkipper

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/MikeTurnerSongwriter