I sit and stare
At the mask I have to wear.
When I go to school,
I see a sign that says,
“Wear your mask and be cool.”
I feel like a caged bird.
I get no say,
Not in any way.
I feel too self-conscious at recess to take it off.
Or when I cough.
After a year and a half of being stuck in this place,
I start to feel
ashamed of my face.