The Masks of Meanings

I put on the mask of flames and saw

The dying embers of a gentle fire,

Smoke erupting in the sky

And the fireplace on a cold Winter’s evening.

I put on the mask of nature and saw

Vines spinning around trees like ballerinas,

Tomatoes tearing up as they are about to be devoured

And rotten watermelons watching their friends be taken while they are abandoned.

I put on the mask of sorrow and saw

Tears as police show up at people’s door

Lonely evenings

And the thought of death.

I put on the mask of water and saw

The ocean on a warm Summer’s day,

Athletes panting after a race

And armbands waiting patiently at the side of the swimming pool.