I saw them writhing under the restraints I’d caught them in. I could already hear the defeat in every breath they took. I had been waiting years for this moment! Taking every delicious moment I lent down close to their head, “how does it feel hero? Doesn’t it just burn to know I’ve won at last” I was enjoying this moment too much. Could you blame me? Every time I was close to my plan they were one step ahead! Every time I got close to being in front they would foil my every plan! Their breathing calmed to a steady pace here’s what you’ve been waiting for, “let’s see who you really are under that mask”. Lifting the silver and blue mask over their head I began to see a picture of the person underneath. Golden blonde hair uncurled onto his neck. Pale soft skin glistened under the layer of sweat. Then the blood surfaced from where I hit him in the cheek, it would hurt like hell in the morning. That’s when I saw him. A child!

“You’re like twelve! What are you doing here where is my hero?!” I stepped back nearly dropping the mask to the floor. “Hey! I’m 20 old man that’s not fair. And this twenty year old just kicked your ass for the last 3 years” my world was spinning. He was so young, so innocent how did this happen? I was expecting late twenties at the most but not this. I needed to sit down. Thinking back to all the fights we had I became aware how many times I nearly killed him. A child I was a little off the moral compass but I wasn’t about hurting children. Children are innocent their minds can be changed it was the adults that were the problem. He just stared at me anger in his eyes just- wait anger? He was angry? Why was he angry yeah I saw his face but that was it not like I knew his whole identity where did anger fine from? “Don’t look at me in that tone. What right do you have to be angry” my voice was starting to shake but how could it not I’ve been beating up a kid all this time. “Who are you my gran? You’ve just called me twelve yes I’m angry” my mind still swirled still thinking of the different near misses I’ve had with him I need time to think. Give a quick knock to his temples he was unconscious before he could blink. One of the men gave me a shocked look “what did you want me to do?” Looking down at my enemy of three years I sighed. What was I to do with the boy now? I can’t continue he’s only a child. It was then that I came up with my plan, I was going to find the person responsible to let him fight so young and teach them a lesson.

From our cots a new, To our graves of old Our world has created our masks to hold Cradled deep within our hearts we hide Our truer selves to cry beside.

But if my heart was to discard my mask Would I finally be seen at last Crumbled bones lying weak before me With skin so torn it couldn’t hold them I wish my mask would finally be free To show my heart beneath thee.

We grow and grow till our limbs are stretched Reading from our ancient texts Learning from our schoolers past We’re told to hide behind our masks

But if my heart was to discard my mask Would I finally be seen at last Crumbled bones lying weak before me With skin so torn it couldn’t hold them I wish my mask would finally be free To show my heart beneath thee.

My smile shall fade with gleeful eyes Time is fleeting, watch as it flies Wrinkles form as I must age My mask still telling the me inside With each new day another burden to bare I wonder if that’s why everyone stares

But if my heart was to discard my mask Would I finally be seen at last Crumbled bones lying weak before me With skin so torn it couldn’t hold them I wish my mask would finally be free To show my heart beneath thee.

Now see me fully before you now A grave now laying in the ground My mask is withered My mask is weak But now it’s beside my naked face Would you dare to take a peak?