Faces

When I look into the mirror
I don't know who I see.
There is an unfamiliar face,
Reflecting back at me.

It's a righteous face on Sundays,
Fooling congregations.
On Monday it is strong enough,
To lead corporations.

I've worn the face of confidence,
Through each day of my life.
But it softens in the evening,
When I embrace my wife.

There's a face for all occasions,
Worn for my protection.
So you won't see the face I see,
Within my reflection.

Our faces hide our innocence,
Obscuring what is true.
While makeup paints a pretty lie
To conceal the real you.

Uncertainties that plague my life,
Are cloaked by this veneer,
For every face that I create,
Enshrouds my doubt and fear.

I hide my insecurities,
In deceptive places.
While enjoying the protection
Of my many faces.

This poem was a finalist in the December 2022 poetry contest