Bearded Ballads 19/30: Cosplay

Cape and cowl

will not protect you.

They may

soften the blow,

but in the end

the scars and bruises

will remain,

toughening you up

thick-skinned and

a hardened heart.

This only proves to widen the gap

like the expanse

of a city street

the glittering glass

reflecting

facets of danger

disguises

worn to conceal

the relationships

hidden in the night.

Gallivanting

through the shadows

uncomfortable

sleeping with the enemy

whom you flush out

into the light.