Cry Into The Mask Poem by James McLain

We carry the mask which grimace
and hides the lines,
it hides our cheeks
and blood our eyes, - This debt which we pay with the human perfidy;
With the hearts torn and of bleeding we smile,
and stops with innumerable subtleties.
Why would the world being overwise have,
By counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, left them only see us, whereas We carry the mask.
We sing, but oh l' of clay mortar is cheap;
thick red mud Under our feet, and a long time the thousands many;
But leave the dream of the world differently, We carry the mask!
That built your dreams as the long wide leather cracks
the picture now of silver bracelets tarnished black.
Knowing not where you go, welts upon our backs.

p.l.d.