The secret of poetry

Self-discipline, self-hatred
is nothing but negative energy:
He seem hammered standing there on the podium
We all stood there quietly waiting,
shifting from one foot to another,
Suddenly, I recalled the Pied Piper of Hamelin
and there we was about to be
Lured into another poet’s madness
Persuasion and performances
What came next brought the crowd to order
He said *******, *******, and **** all of you.
I think I can still hear the record scratch sound effect
coming to a halt .... then he said
“Can silence actually drive you crazy?

his fingers dance across
my shoulder blades and down
my arm until they reach my
hands, where they trace patterns
on my palm

you're safe with me, i
swear, he says

                             and i believe him

I’m here in my mask;
I only wear it on good days,
A mask to hide the scars;
The scars of my life and yours,
Reflecting away my fear;
Ever present yet unseen.

I’m here in my mask;
I wish I wore you more often,
Without expression or feeling;
Undeterred by glaring eyes,
Hiding unkindly shadows;
Silent and passionless.

I’m here in my mask;
Another lonely hidden day,
Sharp yet poker face grey;
Unbetraying to all my secrets,
Shrouded in mystery,
Afraid to feel; to live.

I’m here in my mask;
Yet tire of the truths you hide,
Every-time I wear you;
You fit less comfortably,
Pitted with imperfections;
Cracking like the man beneath.

I’m here in my mask;
But for how much longer?
Dissolving before my eyes;
One day I will take you off,
Lower my guard and reveal;
The mask beneath you.