Hiding in the Mask

By Ellen Bauer

(Dear reader:
This is a poem for two voices.
It is meant to be read with one voice reading the left side,
the other voice reading the right.
Whenever two sentences or words are on the same horizontal  level,
they are meant to be read at the same time.
When there is a blank on one side, that reader is quiet while the
other side reads, until there are words again.)

The masks we wear
Hiding

Ritual flames

Eyes, in masks
Are the only part

That lives.
Masks of
Death
Life
Rain
Summer
Joy
Fear

Weeping
Beneath the mask.
Hiding

Of the worshipped

Bringing out

Our hidden one.
Some wear them
From shame.

Some wear them
During joy,

Celebration.
But our masks,

Bringing up
Ancient

Are ours.
The masks we wear.		 The masks we wear

What?

Reflecting in our eyes.
Eyes, in masks

Of our faces
That lives.

Life
Death
Summer
Rain
Fear
Joy
Hiding tears.
Weeping


Love,
Of the worshipped
Being.
Bringing out
Our soul.


From shame.
An ancient vow.

During joy,
A wedding


Deep with mystery,

Ancient
Rituals,
Are ours.
The masks we wear.		 


							
				

				
				

					
						

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