We hide deep emotion,
secrete vulnerability.
Access to our soul
must not be allowed.
We disguise devotion;
laugh it away as nonsense.
Do not confuse it
with true steadfastness.
We camouflage all friendship
as obliging alliance;
frightened to stripmine
the veneer of self.
And when it comes to LOVE,
we lock it in the remote
corners of our heart,
feigning its presence.
Lest our mask be removed.
– Albert Busendorfer
