“Today’s Mask”

BY LEVAR JONES

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired, not knowing which mask I’m gonna wear today. The CO hit my door late, so I’m gonna miss yard today. I wanna ask why, but I know what he will say, so I guess I’ll put on my humble mask today. I just passed my GED test: I feel proud I achieved a goal today. It feels strange, but a mask is not required today, or so I thought. I got my green sheet at lunch time, and it was more than food for thought: I got a three-year hit that left me distraught today. I guess I’ll wear the defeated mask today. I give up; I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired today. I guess I’ll put on my gorilla mask today. I get called for a visit, and it was unexpected for today. I see my family’s faces, and all my masks melt away.