you were watching me br observing my reaction br as we discussed the japanese br and their wearing of the mask br to protect the outside world br from the virulence of a cold br and the impact of their sneeze br upon unsuspecting innocents br br then you exclaimed br 'and what is behind your mask! ' br a breeze of shock sent sparks br into the latent atmosphere br and trembling, I disposed of the br dishes at the sink, waiting to be dried br and found a new voice br at first, thready and weak br br but then, rallied by a spiritual strength br I found the courage to respond br 'be happy inside yourself, my friend! ' br contentment is a gentle thought br a listening ear, a smile, a word of encouragement br as with those who meditate and look within br so their success glows br and the light burns with the force of grace br br 3 January 2008br br Penny Hemansbr br