Hide and Seek

"Place your hands on your face," I softly say,
a gentle command, guiding the way.
A little more, a little more—yes, that's right,
let the shadows deepen, hide from the light.

Cover your cheeks, then your lips so tight,
a little more, a little more—till you’re out of sight.
Hide your eyes, let your fingers embrace,
a veil of hands to mask your face.

A little more, until only the echoes remain,
fingers shielding what words can't explain.
Each inch concealed, each secret withdrawn,
a hiding game played till the light is gone.

As your hands cover all that you show,
I wonder what lies beneath, what you won’t let go.
A little more, a little more, till nothing is clear—
a portrait of someone who’s barely here.

I snap the photo, the moment is caught,
your hidden face, a portrait of thought.
A little more, a little more, until you disappear,
leaving behind only the ghost of your fear.