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By Sean Richards

VA Medical Center--Fort Worth, TX


This is a new form of normal for a new decade. 


What was not tolerated early in the year is now at bay.

The mask was once evil and seen as outlaw garb.

It's now required for entry to businesses in May,


and now required to enter nearly all public spaces.

For many weeks it was impossible to find or buy masks. 


The prices soared and supplies dwindled for us.

It was left to those who could sew to take up the task.

This new century has changed us as a nation and as a people. 


The mask is our new normal; it is our new fashion statement.

The mask has become the new fad and attraction.

The mask is the new decade's newest normal requirement.