The Mask of Tones

I put on the black mask and saw,

Bats whirling and diving,

Staring into my soul on a lunar eclipse.

I put on a white mask and smelt,

The fresh jasmine flowers blooming,

The clouds spinning as the sun shines above,

And the sound of artic wolves howling.

I put on the pale, lifeless mask and saw,

The wings of an American grey parrot

swirling around me like its prey.

I put on the mask made of coal and felt,

A black petunia’s petals fall on me,

A murder of crows around me,

And a black panther’s tail swishing.