My Unwanted Mask
by Edna Garcia
Behind layers of makeup
And coats of lipstick,
I covered my bruises
And busted lip.
Behind hair swept over a black eye
And swollen jaw,
I maintained a comforting mask
For my daughter and son,
Behind a facade for friends,
Family members and an oblivious society,
This bruised and battered woman
Hated her abusive husband,
And despised an old decade
That allowed men to use women
As possessions for uninvited desires.
Behind the fakery of matrimonial compatibility,
My newly formed self-worth emerged
And raised children on my own.
From a warring divorce,
I found the victory of peace.
Unmasked and honest,
I faced my future.
Copyright 2020, Edna Garcia.
Photo by Alex Iby on Unsplash.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Edna Iris Garcia was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico. She received a BA and a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education, and was the first Latina in Fairfield County elected to the Connecticut General Assembly. For over 40 years, she served her community with notable distinction, and has received numerous awards for her efforts to better the city and state. At present, she is finishing a semi-autobiographical novel.
Photo: Edna Garcia and a disguised friend.
Silver Birch Press 