IX. Villanelle: A Worldly Game
We all parade around in disguise
To the world we show what we’re not
Our skin wielded as a cloak of lies
Our looks seldom have any ties
With the soul, the flesh has, if aught
We all parade around in disguise
Some look like angels with no vice
Beware their halos have been bought
Our skin wielded as a cloak of lies
Some come as devils with cold eyes
But their hearts are warm when sought
We all parade around in disguise
O this is charades with alas no prize
‘Tis an ancient game played and taught
Our skin wielded as a cloak of lies
The world is of fools and people wise
But never shall the difference be caught
We all parade around in disguise
Our skin wielded as a cloak of lies