Saturday, April 17, 2010

one single impression: mask


Mask
I will wear the mask
The brave face of indifference
What choice do I have?

I will wear the mask
The brave face of apathy
You leave me no alternative

I will wear the mask
The brave face of the liar
This is the only path remaining

I will wear the mask
I will put on the brave face
I will pretend and even lie

I might convince my mind
I might convince the world
I might even convince you

But I will never convince my heart
That I do not love you
I am not that good a liar

About this piece: Sometimes a mask is just a mask.

In the process of working on this piece several songs came to mind (if you know me, that won’t surprise you). The top two were "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles ("Wearing a face that she keeps in a jar by the door”) and Billy Joel’s "The Stranger" ("Did you ever let your lover see the stranger in yourself?"). Why wear the mask? What do you suppose would happen if the masks came off?

Yes, please, let’s by all means have that conversation. I'm willing.
Call me.
About the photo: Yes, it's me.

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12 comments:

Fireblossom said...

This reminds me of the Willie Nelson song "I Never Cared For You." The subject of his song is convinced that all men will lie to her, and so Willie strings together a litany of whoppers, including the title line, and says "pay heed and disbelieve."

Unknown said...

Very well said, Mojo.
Nice to see you!
I really like how you put all the impressions into the poem.
You convinced me, indeed.
You do know that you do no need the mask right?
hugs
shakira

Aayushi Mehta said...

And sometimes a mask is much more than a mask.

Very well written, the pain was so palpable.

hope said...

Can you comment "ouch!" and "Wow!" at the same time? That's how this made me feel.

And so nice to be able to comment again! The dang work computer believes I should work only, not take a lunch break and read my favorite blogs!

Beth P. said...

Mojo--
So glad that in the end you cannot tell yourself that big life-constricting lie.

Thank you--

The Turning Point said...

Love it

My mind can deny, rationalize, lie but the gut is most wise.

First visit I'll be back.

Jim

Robin said...

When the masks come off we are all stripped bare, like a deep wide scab being ripped off. All our vulnerabilities and insecurities laid out at the world's feet.

It's too frightening a place for some, but what rewards you can gain when you finally find the courage.

Unknown said...

Mojo, I have attempted the One Single Impression with a Sunday 160, see if you like it?
Have you a great Sunday!
hugs
shakira

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Daryl said...

Peek-a-boo ... well done .. again!

Unknown said...

I think we all wear various masks at different times, I know I typically wear a "happy-all-is-fine" mask, no matter my mood. lol

Lil Bit said...

OMG!!!!!!! MOJO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wow.

omg.

You posted a new mask! ... and you didn't tell ME?!?!
*boo boo lip*

That's better than either mask I have the pleasure of displaying in my Masquerade room. WOW!

Beneath the masks, reality lies waiting to be seen...