The Mask

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  • Life

    The Mask

     I don a mask each waking day...
    A painted smile that veils dismay
    But hidden deep beneath the paint
    Lie empty eyes, obscure and faint

    My smile is wide...frozen...deep
    My eyes tell lies my soul must keep
    I dance, and laugh, and shrug, and jest
    To hide the emptiness that fills my chest

    "All is well... I'm doing fine..."
    Are two of my favorite deceitful lines
    I bury my soul beneath heavy stones
    That are mortared in dreams and wedged with bones

    Raining tears have dredged my mask...
    But those who've noticed have failed to ask
    Surely crimson eyes have told the tale -
    That behind this smile...  I live in hell

    So turn your head... pretend I'm fine...
    I've grown callouse to pretentious minds
    But hear these words and know their truth
    Behind tomorrow's mask... I could be you



    Marcus Lewis
    11-26-2009

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    Marsink commented on The Mask

    01-02-2011

    There is a litte understood premise concerning hypocrites: we are them! a good one understands his dilemma: all saints are sinners, forgiven and forgiving. the rest are lost: accusing and abusing. If we know where we stand, we can have an attitude to be saved from ourselves and the sin that so easily entraps us.. a powerful write! Applause Crescendo!!
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    tenderpoison commented on The Mask

    01-01-2011

    Dad - you have no idea how completely I relate to this - I'm just a little further down the road - which, if you keep going is a really really good thing. This is perfectly written...and totally honest. It's an honor to read. 10 10 10
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    devaamido commented on The Mask

    12-19-2010

    This is a superb piece of work that could apply at on time or another to everyone. Powerfully yet sensitively said!
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    RHPeat commented on The Mask

    12-19-2010

    Great poem Marcus, I enjoyed the meter and rhymes. We all must face the mirror sometime without a mask. But your poem mask makes us all realize that many times we all wear the mask. A poet friend// RH Peat
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    latinangel commented on The Mask

    08-25-2010

    I'm not sure if I will go back to the site or not but, I wanted to read your poem because I believe you are extremely talented. This poem is very deep and emotional. It cuts deep to someone who has lived the same kind of life, someone who learned how to 'disconnect' from emotions and unwanted feelings. I like the phrase raining tears, and I especially like the last stanza. It is a beautiful work of art.
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    Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history; for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular.

    Aristotle (384 BC-322 BC) Greek philosopher.

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