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She looks in the mirror to see who she might see — Justine.
Staring back she sees a woman — strong and serene,
Competent and cold, a money-mad machine.
She knows it’s just a cover; it’s just how she must be.
She’s afraid to take the mask off — someone might see.

But she peels back the mask to see who she might see — Justin;
And he’s surprised.
Staring back he sees a man who’s handsome and thin,
A man who plays games — but only to win.
He’s greedy and he’s thirsty, like a bum who needs his booze.
He’s afraid to take the mask off — maybe he’ll lose.

But he rips away the mask to see who he might see — Justine;
And she’s afraid.
Staring back she sees a snarling, snapping she-wolf — mean and lean,
A cruel and crafty creature held together by caffeine.
She knows what she must do for the vision to disperse.
She’s afraid to take the mask off — maybe she is worse.

But she scratches off the mask to see who she might see — Justin;
And he’s confused.
Staring back he sees a child — playing in his skin.
He’s supposed to be a fighter, stand up straight and conquer sin;
Instead he’s playing with his toes and giggling — playing peek.
He’s afraid to take the mask off — maybe he is weak.

But he tugs away the mask to see who he might see — Justine;
And she is pleased.
She’s pretty and she’s witty — her face is bright and clean.
She’s happy and she’s filled with life; she’ll always be a teen.
She’s sure she’ll be successful in the course she must pursue.
But she’s afraid to take the mask off — maybe it’s not true.

She washes off the mask and sees Justin and Justine;
And she’s afraid.
Without her mask of make up, she feels naked and exposed,
Her flaws displayed to everyone — both good and ill-disposed.
Denuded of his camouflage, he’s vulnerable and meek;
He could not know it took such strength to show that he is weak.
Removing all the masks revealed something unforseen:
The secret of the soul that is Justin and Justine...
She is beautiful!

By Michael Rutledge
March 12, 2004