Art Of Mask Poem by Maria Sudibyo

The silk veil, the carved wood
The paper face, the painted make up
The iron armor, the invisible glass
Hide your emotion behind the weapon

The unreadable expression, the silly laugh
The threatening glare, the crocodile tear
The forced sympathy, the feign act
Hide your pain behind the denial

The secret identity, the character play
The costume rites, the dance tale
The power symbol, the master of disguise
Hide the truth behind the wall

For performance, for protection
For undercover, for impression
For distraction, for pleasure
Hide the person behind the shadow

Color it black, smear with blood
Coat it red, shot with courage
Dip it white, polish with faith
Hide the heart behind the layer

A faithful pledge, a shameful scar
A hero hiding, a nemesis sneaking
A beauty saved, a beast caged
Hide the secret behind the light