The MASK

What be this restlessness I feel

These impressions but illusions real

See behind the mask beyond the veil

See the denied pain that is yet to prevail

The masquerade and pretense held to conceal

The SELF that TRUTH alone is to reveal

Reveal, I hear this night command
Cloak not the quiver of shadow close at hand
Remove pretense and the mask donned to conceal
The TRUTH, the deep knowing, this knowing real
Confront and resolve, the petition summons a call
Beyond all consideration, TRUTH to lay bear ALL
To the plea of this petition I to heed
And TRUTH, 'tis ever the rightful creed.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venetian_mask