Take a deep breath, in.
Feel the air press back against your face,
in this claustrophobic space. The color of a baby boy’s new room.
Two eyes, no mouth. Silent observer.
It would be inaccurate to say
it's suffocating, suction cupping
my face, non-oil barrier. Running
out of patience. Sweat forming
between woven fibers and acne-
ed skin. Indents along my cheeks left
from elastic straps that snap and pull.
Not only does hiding myself suit me, this filtered version of me
now you are unethical if you show yourself.
Breath out.