Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SORROWFUL MASQUERADE by JOHN HALL WHEELOCK

First Line: EVEN AS TO A MUSIC, STATELY AND SAD
Last Line: SHE NEEDS MUST COVER UP HER FACE AND WEEP.
Subject(s): DANCING & DANCERS; GIRLS; GRIEF; SORROW; SADNESS;
Even as to a music, stately and sad,
The young girls' feet begin to move in a dance,
And curiously for joy shift and advance;
So to a mournful waltz, sombre and sweet;
All laughing things move with delighted feet,
So all things that draw light and laughing breath
Move to the mournful waltz of life and death.
Comedy is a girl dancing in time
To the tragic pipes, sorrowful and sublime;
And ever she laughs back, and as she skips
Mimics the mournful music with her lips;
Then for sheer anger at her own pretense
Sobs violently at her own vehemence,
And mocks her tears. But when the pipings sleep
She needs must cover up her face and weep.



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