The Lemon Mask Dancer

From the “Alternative Mythology” collection by Lina Redford & Lana Frey

They say she was once a spirit of laughter who fell in love with the scent of the living world.
To walk among mortals, she taught them how to hide beauty inside color,
and from the peel of a lemon she carved her first mask 
bright enough to keep sorrow away, fragile enough to let truth shine through.

Each dance she performs renews the sun’s favor,
each smile hides a secret she cannot speak.
At twilight she hangs her fading masks upon the trees, whispering to each:
“Wear joy lightly, or it will fade.”

Some nights, the air still smells of citrus and memory 
the scent of Her passing between worlds,
painting herself anew with color and light,
so even spirits remember how to be seen.