Barefaced

Stage-fright suddenly
Seems surplus
To requirements
As the curtains
Close on a tired
Player, mask already
Slipping away
Revealing reality
And its blemishes
Barefaced before
A startled audience
Of one
One without cruelty
One without malice
One without prejudice
One who sees beyond
Narrow judgements
And worn out arguments
To gaze upon
New scenes
Broader and warmer
And full of wonder