In response to a prompt about what is my gift. I am not sure if it’s a gift or curse, in an aging neurodivergent brain.


Behind The Quiet Mask

For all my life
I appeared passive
Perceived as uncaring
Where my spoken words
Sounded insensitive to others

I wear a quiet mask
Devoid of emotional expression
Unaware of how others
Judge my persona and presentation

My preferred path
Is a quiet walk
Retreating from public view
And giving of myself quietly

Giving to those I care for
Remembering life saving gifts to me
Persistently
Continually
With compassion
With calm
With recognition of brilliance
With saying painfully truthful words
Where they are needed most

While recognition feels pleasant
It is not a drug I crave
I have no desire for center stage
Preferring to impact unseen

I wear a quiet mask
It is a disguise that is comfortable
That hides a quiet rage
That hides sadness and despair
That disguises the torment
Of chaotic thoughts
That loves in quiet reverie

It is removed only
Where it is safe to reveal
For those that are trusted
To see beyond the facade
Presented by the Quiet mask



Poetry by Kee Zealy The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 91 times
Written on 2026-03-20 at 08:42

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BiancaF01
I absolutely love your story it is beautifully written! Your story is so unique and original, it is a master piece. You are one talented writer I really enjoy reading your story. Keep up the good work. Your writing is magical! ♥️🙏

I'd really appreciate your support to read my short stories on vocal.media is another writer website for writers. I'd really appreciate it if you can check out my story through the story link I send you.
2026-03-20


melanie sue The PoetBay support member heart!
It's a taming of our spiritual side.
Kee, I only know certain sides of you- I never saw in you those things described in this poem. But I don't doubt- you know yourself best.
Life is strange to me and gets stranger every day. You are a gift. Humans can all be gifts to others, each uniquely concocted. I always wanted to tell you but never could until now---- you were the catalyst that saved my marriage and family I almost lost. Your birthday forever marks the reconciliation. You will never know, and true for all, how we impact each other. For every action, there is the reaction.
I missed our friendship. I have missed the communication that once existed.
Damn the torpedos!
Damn the smart phones and tablets.
Damn.Damn. Damn
2026-03-20