Mask of Sanity

Buttoned shirt, easy smile, steady handshake at the door
I rehearse each little nod like I've done this all before
Watch their eyes, track their jokes, count the seconds when they laugh
Tilt my head, match their tone, borrow feelings I don't have

This is my mask of sanity, painted and borrowed empathy
Every line, every laugh, just a well-practiced gravity
You see a harmless human face, I see a stage, a hiding place
I hold the lie so casually behind this mask of sanity

Coffee cup, office light, I remember every cue
Ask about their kids and pets, they believe I care like you
Take their pain, take their trust, file it neatly in my mind
Use it later, use it gently, leave them thanking me in time

This is my mask of sanity, painted and borrowed empathy
Every line, every laugh, just a well-practiced gravity
You see a harmless human face, I see a stage, a hiding place
I hold the lie so casually behind this mask of sanity

Do you ever wonder why my eyes don't change?
When I say I'm so sorry like it's something strange
I mirror you perfectly till you swear we're the same
But I feel nothing, nothing, just the thrill of the game
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah!
This is my mask of sanity, painted and borrowed empathy

Every word, every breath, just a well-crafted alibi for me
You see a harmless human face, I see a test I always ace
I walk you home so peacefully behind this mask of sanity