Man of Masks

The man of masks walked through the street

            As the wind blew hard and strong

“The night is deep” so said the clock

            As it belled forth like a gong

The man of masks did pause his stride

            And he gazed up at the sky

He gazed up at those winking flames

            Gazing not with his own eye

He gazed up as the blushing lover

            Eyes so full of loving care

The stars seemed bright as distant hope

            Hope to find a maiden fair

He looked up as the villain fierce

            Eyes so full of vengeful wrath

He gazed up and saw in the stars

            Painful routes, revenge’s path

He gazed up like cold hearted men

            Soul as cold as heavy led

He strove for friendship from the past

            Company from leaders dead

He gazed skyward with feral eyes

            Letting forth the beast within

He let instincts wash over him

Knowing well they’d lead to sin

Then as the final gong rang forth

Earthly structures filled his gaze

He started walking forth again

            Pacing through the concrete maze

Until his gaze alit upon

            Stately marble built like lace

His went missing, as was norm

            As he gazed upon that place

Upon seeing this building fair

            Which to him was holy ground

The man of masks quickened his pace

            Stepping, striding with abound

He walked among the hidden folk

            Where no one but his kin could see

He went to get himself prepared

            To where he alone could be

Alone at last he sat and choose

            Which mask he would don tonight

Having done so he was ready

            To, at last, step into light

There before a crowd of people

Baring only one mask each

Was where he felt the most alive

            Everything seeming in reach

For he alone before this crowd

            On his empty wooden stage

Could know the pleasure and the joy

            Spawned of joining a new age

The man of masks was happiest

            Acting just for acting’s sake

For only in that wondrous place

            He, himself, could he remake