That night, the palaces are illuminated,
Headlights shimmering states, gilded prisons.

Everywhere, the music floats, intoxicating.

Dance under the glittering candlesticks
Masks with feathers, sequins.

To the mysteries of stolen faces,
The masks are smiling, slide
In the night, furtive, interfere
In disguise lives, between characters
And personal, between life and floral.


The night progresses inexorably toward dawn
That, soon, will tarnish sets and dresses.


So, the masks will fall, unnecessary,
Revealing the faces pale and futile.