This child dreaded masked man
who waited for Mardis Gras
to even score from yesteryear
on innocent unsuspecting prey.
Carnival of masquerades
hiding hurt and social scars
scaring the life out of you
playing Black Devil and sensay
cover up to get away
with murder and disorder
before penitence of Ash Wednesday
ceremony to launder sin
under black charred cover
of burnt leaves from Palm Sunday last
to usher in new lenten fast
and clear way to harbour
grudge until carnival next year.
I remember hearing a friend mutter
that she liked neither niqab nor burka.
Too much face cover
hiding details of Islamist terror
and male or female gender
as if looking at visage
made her a mind reader
of man and woman relations
and socio-political complications
in every age or culture.
Only observation sure –
religion provides cover.
Now I get a glimpse to see
mask creating anonymity
in COVID nineteen destiny.
Cannot see my friend or foe
cutting eye of grudge
or smiling suggestive sweet
eye sentiment at me
under corona mask eye burn
especially if you wear glasses
that cover with steam
spouting from your nose
boiling in your head
ready to infect another
if you refuse disguise
of plastic or cloth cover.
I cannot wait until next year
for carnival of freedom to breathe
in breathe out fresh air
and squarely greet every stranger
as we gratefully see each other
in an age post corona.
Meanwhile
I take place of sensay bush doctor
carrying vaccine to almighty laundry in prayer.
I might even play Black Devil
to beat up on viruses and bacteria
and tell them all-Game over!
Even as we await the Omnipotent Healer.