some mornings
I fasten a face to my own
before the mirror has finished
telling the truth
one for kindness
that swallows its own hunger
one for certainty
stitched together
from borrowed words
one for laughter
light enough
to keep questions
from settling on my shoulders
I wear them
because the world
is full of bright rooms
where vulnerability echoes louder
than confidence ever does
by noon
I have forgotten
which smile belongs to survival
and which one
was born with me
the masks are patient things
they learn the shape of our breath
they memorize our silences
they become so fluent
in our names
that even our reflections
hesitate
still there are moments
rain on an empty street
a hand that does not ask me
to be anything
the long forgiving conversation
between dusk and the first star
in those moments
the straps loosen
the borrowed faces
slide quietly to the floor
without accusation
underneath
is not perfection
only skin
scarred by every season
it refused to stop feeling
only eyes
still searching for wonder
after years of pretending
they had already found it
perhaps that is all
a human life has ever asked
not to live without masks
for sometimes they are shelter
sometimes armor
sometimes the bridge
across impossible days
but to remember
they are not our bones
and when night arrives
to set them beside the bed
like shoes that carried us home
so that sleep
may recognize our true face
and morning
if it is gentle
may find us
with nothing left to hide
except the light
we have mistaken
for weakness
The Creative Chic 
One of your most powerful pieces yet! Wow! Yes please! I really loved the flow of how you wrote this. Did you write this from the perspective of knowing you would read it out? Because the flow in general just absolutely fit perfectly with your voice! It was so beautiful! And it felt completely in-sync (not the boy band)
“I wear them
because the world
is full of bright rooms
where vulnerability echoes louder
than confidence ever does
by noon
I have forgotten
which smile belongs to survival
and which one
was born with me
the masks are patient things
they learn the shape of our breath
they memorize our silences
they become so fluent
in our names
that even our reflections
hesitated”
I think that was indeed my favorite section of the piece. It was very hard to choose. I understand that masks in life indeed are necessary. But I long for a life when we choose to let them no longer exist. For if we tap into the sadness that exists within us all, then therein lies the truth at what truly means the most to us. Vulnerability indeed is strength to me. But call me crazy! Indeed I hope they continue to do so! I carry that with a badge of honor! 😉 Oh! And by the way, I also forgot that you are super freaking amazing! Just saying! More audio poems after this please! Like now! Let the world hear your beautiful voice! 🎤
Thank you so much for this AMAZING comment, you truly are so awesome! I did write this with the audio in mind! I’m glad it was all in sync (not the boy bad) Hopefully more audios are coming. I know you guys enjoy them, well, at least you and Chuck haha
Your writing skills never cease to amaze me. You have such beautiful words, written with painstaking accuracy.
I’m currently lying outside under a covered porch, where the electricity has gone out. Nature has unleashed a downpour of a thunderstorm. The cool breeze and soothing rain hitting the roof create a truly amazing soundscape. I’m in awe of nature right now. What an experience!
Gosh, Braden, so kind! Thank you so much. I had a feeling you’d really understand this piece.
Nature is so incredible and that sounds like an amazing experience. I love the rain!
Jenn, This is beautiful. What touched me most is how gently you remind us that the masks we wear aren’t failures—they’re often how we survive. But beneath them is still the truest part of us, quietly waiting to be seen.
The line about setting them beside the bed “like shoes that carried us home” will stay with me. Thank you for sharing something so honest and so deeply human. Your words really found me today.
Thank you, love. You’re the sweetest, ever!
Wow!! Thank you so very much, Jennifer for this Awesome Audio!!! I loved this – especially the way your voice was perfectly capturing the feeling, the timing of your verses!!! This is perfect example for your audios!!! I love that I can close my eyes and just listen and imagine and visualize message.Bellissimo, My Dear, Bellissimo!!!!Chuck 🙂 xoxo
Thank you, Chuck!
Awesome poem and spoken well
I appreciate your comment!
No problem at all, keep up the good work