Ditch the ads, upload images and much more - upgrade today from 5.95/month!
Read • Contests • Groups • Learn • Forums • Store • Help
 

Man's Masks


And as I step outside, I mask my face.
Today, I wear the happy mask of joy.
And even as I cry behind the mask,
and rivers of tears flow down my face,
my face says all is fine, all is good.
The world knows me a happy man.

And then again, I change this mask.
Today I switch to the melancholy mode,
and beneath this face filled with tears,
lies a happy man, laughing at life.
But the world shall mourn with me today,
The world knows me a poor, sad man.

It's time again to wear a new mask.
I mask myself with solemn expressions,
the world looks to me for advice,
in truth their wise one is just a fool.
The fool in disguise, shall give advice.
The world knows me the wisest man.

And yet again, I wear this mask.
A mask that shows a bold expression,
and when it will be time to fight,
I shall shed this mask again.
But the world will turn to me to fight,
for the world knows me the boldest man.

And this mask of mine shall win hearts.
I am a passionate, loving young man,
and though as stone-hearted as I am,
I will be called when debts are due.
But I shall change my mask then,
the world knows me a generous man.

A contest entry

Please tell me what you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression?
    • Line numbers  • Invite them to read
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?)

Comments

  • piccola silver member
    January 27, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    great entry, thank you.


  • Nicolette gold member
    November 24, 2006

    Edit | Reply
    I liked how you present the reader with the different faces of man (or woman for that matter): the happy face, the sad one, the wise, the bold, the generous man. Each stanza paints a picture in words of the different masks we wear – things that are both personal and universal. I thought the first line to very powerful – it kind of opens the poem up to what’s to follow; it also states that when we “step outside” we feel the need to be masked. A very interesting and thought-provoking poem that had me thinking that at times we don’t know who we are or with who we dealing with....all colours, all masks of the same man. Thank you so much for your entry.

    ~ Nicolette

  • The Pole Star
    November 21, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    really?


  • Poetic-Theorem gold member
    November 21, 2006

    Edit | Reply

    Amazing and True

    WOW! What a well written poem and so true. I had to read this poem in response to your kind comments. Each stanza is so good, I cannot decide which one I like the most. Perhaps this is because we all do mask certain emotions to represent our feelings as a whole person.

    I have done this for many years. I have endured 11 surgeries, four being spine fusions. This year I developed major depression when my former wife left me when I was about to undergo another fusion surgery. I grateful to be walking. I broke my back in 1999 and I masked the pains everyday when I returned to college. Now I mask the emotional scars as well. Most likely, one will look and talk to me a think there is nothing wrong, when actually, I bury both the physical and emotional scars inside.

    I can relate so much to this poem and my lifestyle. However, I believe most everyone wears a different facial mask to hide pains. This way the true good person inside can shine through I love your poem.
    I look forward in reading more of your writes.
    Much love,
    Bo