The Mask, the Mirror, and the Mic
A meditation on introversion, discomfort, and the courage to connect
“Imagine” by A Perfect Circle
Originally written and recorded by John Lennon (whose work I deeply respect and love), this version, sung by Maynard James Keenan, is fraught with the tension I feel in the world today. It speaks to our current moment in a way that resonates more sharply, and that’s why I’ve chosen it here.
The Mask.
So.
I’m really dropping the mask here.
I hope you’ll hear me in the spirit this is intended.
I’m an introvert.
This is fucking hard.
Once upon a time, I was freer with myself and better able to connect with others.
Time and traumas and social isolation.
What a monstrous trio.
But my story hasn’t ended.
The final curtain has not dropped.
I’m still here.
And, more, I long for true connection.
But also, I feel the pull to write…
About my feelings.
About my pain.
About my losses.
About my growth.
And also, about my rage.
The insanity in our world today.
I’ve actually written a great deal on this subject but haven’t shared as much here…
Yet.
Maybe this was an oversight.
Maybe I was trying to show you who I am as a person.
A slightly more-palatable version of myself, that is.
Let you see some of my journey to get to this place, here and now.
Maybe I’m just trying really hard not to overwhelm the feed or any of you.
I sometimes think my overwhelm, in turn, overwhelms others.
Not my mission. Ever.
This is not rage… this is me reaching out…
