Past the Iris

There are so many. He wants to be a part of them. They seem so happy. He shouldn't be there. They walk past him. He doesn't feel them. This is their world. He want's to exist.

What happened to me? When did I fade back into the shadow? Why do I no longer shine? What have I become? Day in and day out, the drone carries his load and does what he is supposed to. Why can't I sleep at night? Why does it feel like something is missing? The phone that never rings. The door that never knocks. The windows that never open. Do they see me like this? Do they look past the iris and see me like this? Who do they see? Who do they want me to be?

It's because of your mask.
I don't exist without it.
I don't exist with it.
Get away from me.
No, please stay.
You can't see me can you?
None of them can see me.
What am I supposed to do?
As if I had a choice.
Something is missing.
Heartless?
I feel pain.
I don't need a heart to feel pain.
An existential vaccum.
That's whats past the iris.
That's why they don't see me.
Past the iris.
Past the iris.