The mask

How he danced 
Beneath the cape of grey
In careful minuet! 
Words of chalk and density—
The snakelike mask was made. 
'Cross the face 
Painted with deceit were 
The serpent sidled scales. 
The visage left unseen 
Named a poet—

(His cocoon—
His dark cell.)

Dale Chou
2003-04-22