this is a great little poem full of deep meanings...it took me back to it a few times.

In my best southern drawl...ain't that the truth! *grin* There's no better poetry (to me)than a few words which speak volumes. Thank you for sharing your poetry with us all.

Makes sense to me, I think. Where is Jadi?...Charlie

you speak volumes about the "reality" of our masks - so recognizable and effective - some of us better at wearing and creating them than others... liked last two lines the best. Great poem, jadi.

the flow of each stanza leaves me thirsty, and the subject matter hits close to home, touching...and most important a very real moment caught here in ur web...nice to read u again...jewels

So, this poem explainns a lot. The "masquerade" a wonderful title, and what we present to the world. The first stanza "This mask" is fascinating in its focus on the face, present in the now (as cover for the past)--and in addition in that it is a reminder of our aging and thus, "mortality". No mask for ourselves (except in hiding our youth) , but one toward others. "what I became upon my return from reality"--fascinating this--it implies that one starts in unreality, go to it and, I think the wise ones come back again from it. This is what you have done. The last stanza is profound, and telling. The fact that the face is "recognizable" and yet does not ensure knowledge of "who I was" -- in fact "nobody did". Perfect. And so I succumb to all your wishes for the "interchangeable" face-- and because of this. But I think... I have begun to know... and without a face too. All the more so. And so. Yes.

I think we all wear masks- trying desperately to cover up who we really are. Those of us, who are lucky, know who we really are.

it makes ironic sense that to become familiar is to have a mask woven on your face. which becomes our permanent address.