The Masque

Seeing past the facade

The music played softly about her
She swirled entwined in its rhythm
Her costume exquisite
Every stitch carefully sewn
Fit her perfectly
They knew her so well

The light glistened softly about her
Catching the light
Changing the focus
Reflecting
Deflecting
Resplendent with deception
She danced alone

They all gathered laughing about her
Commenting on this
Laughing about that
Enjoying her well placed bon mots
Life of the party
Belle of the ball
She knew the masquerade

He confidently stood before her
Slowly he touched the gown
He knew
Smiling
Slowly undoing the carefully stitched
Deception
Until
Her soul lay bare in his hand