How Do You Wear Yours?

By Elaine Cusack

Buzzed into reception, I grab a mask,
making sure the blue side faces outwards.

Temperature checked then into the staff room
to tie up my hair, away from my face.
The ear saver made by a resident’s daughter
keeps my mask in place for this shift.

I wear a tee-shirt with a smiley face
and it compensates for my hidden grin.

Whenever my colleagues’ glasses steam up
we laugh because it’s better than crying
or being angry. I don’t see the point
in feeling furious behind a mask.

Lunchtime I’m scrolling rolling news about
a blond bombshell in a mask at an airport
on essential COVID-proofing business.
His arrogance informs my behaviour.

I finish my shift, bin the mask, and take
frustration and my heat spots home with me.

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Written Word ‘Heart’ poems