Vade Mecum

a poem about the use of masks in everyday life

A mask was walking beside me

I didn’t ask for her name

it was in March a century ago

snow was melting gloves were left at home

and anyway no one cared about masks

no one pitied their tears

no one was impressed by their smiles

That’s what I was thinking

that’s why I never wore masks

 

She was insisting that I give her shelter

hiding my face looking through her eyes

I didn’t listen to her proposal

following the road towards a crowded city square

There I walked round and round fresh fountains

smiling and crying

hoping that someone will notice me

 

It was so strange I was among talking masks

no one recognized me no one said hello

That old ragged mask must have been falling in the dust

somewhere behind me

I was alone