Thank you so much for your kind words on that other thread. I read your comments over and over in amazement for surely those words couldn't be used to describe me. I don't know who wrote the poem below but I think it describes me pretty well right now. You know I was forced to deal with my situation in a short amount of time and I find it theripudical to converse with others and offer my opinions.<P><BR>THE MASK<P>Don't be fooled by me.<BR>Don't be fooled by the face I wear.<BR>For I wear a mask,<BR>I wear a thousand masks.<BR>Masks that I'm afraid to take off,<BR>and none of them are me. <BR>Pretending is an art that's second nature with me,<BR>but don't be fooled.<BR>I give you the impression that I'm secure,<BR>that all is sunny and unruffled with me,<BR>within as well as without,<BR>that confidence is my name and coolness my game,<BR>that the water's calm and I'm in command,<BR>and that I need no one.<BR>But don't believe me...Please. <BR>My surface may seem smooth,<BR>but my surface is my mask,<BR>my ever-varying and ever-concealing mask.<BR>Beneath lies no smugness, no complacency.<BR>Beneath dwells the real me in confusion,<BR>in fear, in aloneness.<BR>But I can hide this. <BR>I don't want anybody to know it.<BR>I panic at the thought of <BR>my weakness and fear being exposed.<BR>That's why I frantically create<BR>a mask to hide behind,<BR>a nonchalant, sophisticated facade,<BR>to help me pretend to shield me<BR>from the glance that knows.<BR>But such a glance is precisely<BR>my salvation. and I know it. <P>That is,<BR>if it's followed by acceptance.<BR>It's the only thing that can<BR>liberate me, from myself,<BR>from my own self-built prison walls,<BR>from the barriers that<BR>I so painstakingly erect.<BR>It's the only thing that will assure me<BR>of what I can't assure myself,<BR>that I'm really worth something. <BR>But I don't tell you this, <BR>I'm afraid your glance will not <BR>be followed by acceptance and love.<BR>I'm afraid you'll think less of me,<BR>that you'll laugh,<BR>and your laugh would wound me.<BR>I'm afraid that deep-down<BR>I'm not much and you will see this and reject me.<BR>So I play my game, my pretending game, <BR>with a facade of securance without. <BR>So, when I'm going through my routine<BR>do not be fooled by what I'm saying.<BR>Please listen carefully and try<BR>to hear what I'm not saying...<BR>what I'd like to be able to say, but can't. <BR>Who am I, you may wonder,<BR>I am someone you know very well,<BR>For I am every man you meet<BR>and every woman you meet.<BR>

LH,<P>Your poem touched me - did you write that?<P>Sisyphus asked me one time if my chosen screen name was because I liked romance novels, but your poem answers that question of what my name means. A Harlequin's mask is divided, too, into light and dark, happiness, and sadness.<P>Anne<BR>(The one who can't spell today)<p>[This message has been edited by Harlequin99 (edited August 01, 2001).]

Boy, oh, boy, oh, boy,<P>(((((((((((((((((((((((((Bill)))))))))))))))))))))))))))<P>What sweet, true words for us all here. It truly brought tears to my eyes. And yes I do KNOW what really is beneath the surface of YOU, because I, like so many here, have that mask on nearly every minute of every day.<P>But what amazes me is that when someone is in need here, me included, you are able to come up with the goods every time. <P>I hope you don't mind me saying this, but how could anyone who had such an insightful caring person a yourself CHOOSE to leave? I WISH...oh well, that's a topic for another thread, but you just think good and even great things about yourself Bill, because we all bare our souls here, and we can see your shining. I hope you find someone who appreciates it in the future.<P>Love Jacky

I have that poem in a book... I LOVE IT... but the book is in the garage at the old homestead... so I can't find out who wrote it. <P>It describes me over the first 35 years of my life, that's for sure.

Okay I have tears!

((((((((((Billy))))))))))))<P>What a great poem. I can totally relate. I am so sorry you are not having a good day today. Neither am I, that is why I have been so quiet myself today. I am here for you if you need me as you have always been there for me.<P>Try taking one of those great walks that you always talk about. Keep your head up buddy. Together we can all make it through the tough spells.<P>I'll be thinking about you tonight.<P>Hugs & Prayers from So. Cal.<P>Love,<P>Michele

Just wanted to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. It always nice to see that your appreciated especially during these trying times in our lives.<P>Hugs, Thoughts, & Prayers<P>------------------<BR>Love, Bill<P>-There are none so blind as those who refuse to see!-<BR>-Stand up and do the right thing, even if your standing alone.-