CARNIVAL
 

Peacock tails on dominos,
sequined silk with satin bows
Midnight Mask
why do you ask
the names of lovers no one knows?

Amber, emerald, amethyst,
Maskers’ gems in river-mist.
What’s beneath the veil you kissed
in the night of the Masquerade?

Columbines and Harlequins,
now the Carnival begins.
Jester’s joke
nor sable cloak
can hope to hide you from your sins.

Amber, emerald, amethyst
Maskers’ gems in river mist.
What’s beneath the veil you kissed
at the height of the Masquerade?

Paper heads of bird and beast
are drumming for the Voodoo priest.
Whitestone wall
where shadows fall
conceals the fine and feral feast.

Amber, emerald, amethyst,
Maskers’ gems in river mist.
What’s beneath the veil you kissed
at the end of the soft parade?

NEMA