You wear them
to make the recognizer
in their head see
a contiguous face
with acceptable breaks
in its continuity.
Perhaps not its contiguity
as much as
the ability
to see a face beyond,
in lieu of,
its breaks. Though the bandages do
hinder healing
I wear them
because a smile gained
is a smile
loved. And to be loved
is worth every gram of cloth and salve
kept in a backpack
toted for rainy days
refusing to end.
