The Mocker Mocked

“Upon three lines of argument
I’ll construct an actor’s mask
Not for what is, but what is meant,
Should an impudent audience ask.
First, ‘Witches’ nipples make the thumb
Feel glad about its thumbing task.’
Second, ‘My swift tongue can out-drum
The quarrel fought between your ears.’
Last, ‘The idea of me will come
To satisfy your deepest fears.’
Now, dear friends, with your kind consent,
I’ll put this on. Hm, it appears
You conclude my grin’s indecent.
I’m booed when I expected cheers!”

Actor’s Mask

Hiieee! Hiieeea! Hi! Hiiee! Hi! Hi!

Look closely, now. I am cellophane thin,

Imbued by hand with the hues of a lie

And the pentimento of ancient sin.

I hide my eyes with a mendacious squint

And my thoughts with an enigmatic grin.

My hair and skin share a fiery tint.

I am both angelic and indecent.

On stage, politicians deliver speech

After speech and reveal what?, you will ask.

All actors pour out their souls, each to each,

All for naught — only I can mask a mask.