An Unfinished Fiction Poem by Daniel Brick

Is the man alone the hero
of this story? Does he perhaps
double as the villain? It would
not be difficult for him to play
both roles. On the surface
both characters are elegant
in clothing and conversation, both
pay a generous tithe to Mother Church,
both promise a full accounting
to the Office of Taxation, both
alternately stand out in a crowd,
or sink into anonymity if required.
One says: "We are masters of disguise
and deceit." His voice is firm and
secure. The other cringes, and remains
silent. Which of these responses
marks the hero, which the villain?
There's a mystery here, can we solve it?
Or should we declare there is no mystery,
and all of us go home. I don't know.
Let me think this through. I'm certain
I am the hero, and you the villain. Or....