Masquerade Masquerade by Francis Kerst We were once in Venice During the Carnival. Do you remember it? We were both attending A lush private party In this ancient palace, Nobly decayed and dank, Whose rich owners and guests Weren't quite what they seemed... So we weren't either: Sent there to meet a man Who never did appear. (He will be found at dawn, Drifting in the canal.) We waited and waited, Scanning the masquerade; I was an admiral And you a cat burglar; I wore a red jacket, You hardly had to change... You left with a sailor, I spent the night alone. And though, we shared a while Of silent harmony, As we bent together Over the balustrade, To watch the fireworks Reflected in the sea, My hand on your shoulder, My chest against your back... I didn't see your eyes, You didn't say a word. Then, why was I so sure Of your unvoiced answer To my unspoken call? And though I didn't dare And you didn't either; I let you free yourself Of me and walk slowly, so slowly through the dark... He was tall and handsome, The lad who caught your arm And led you to the door: Clear eyes, dark hair, trim look, An easy turn of wit, A feline elegance. "Your type, I guess, my friend, And the night is still young." "He knows our man," you said. "We'll search the surroundings." I smiled and looked away, As I was meant to do, As you did so more times... And I remained thinking Of you, of me, of things I'll never say, of fears, Of denied hopes and needs, And I remained raving: The picture of my life In this crazy daydream Looks like a spinning top, Throbbing with light and noise Under a child's impulse. Now, the band is playing, The party sways and whirls, Brings along its dancers At a maddening pace, Sweeps away the remorse, But the shadow of death Has fallen on my soul... For this devilish game, Where everything is fake, Has me doomed to the fate Of laughing and dancing, when I feel only loss. Why is the heart of Man So haughty and so vain To be wary of Truth, And as much of silence, And more than Death itself To be afraid of Love? Please post a comment on this story.