Behind the Mask
He had a pleasant face,
Quite handsome in a lived-in kind of way
His features were irregular, not perfect
And his expression was kind
He was a solidly-built man
Muscular and strong
He had a thick neck and broad shoulders
His hands were large and capable
He had a good physique
Well-rounded, without angles
There was nothing pointed or sharp about him
He was not an intellectual
Any talent he possessed
Came from using those capable hands
He was surprisingly gentle for such a big man
Sentimental, easily touched
Too easily, sometimes
He often had tears in his eyes
He enjoyed messing about on boats
He seemed content to be alone
Not craving company
He had a certain shyness
A vulnerability that was hidden
Within a massive frame
He had a vicious temper which
He tried hard to conceal
He lost it often without provocation
He flew into uncontrollable rages
That made his huge body shake and tremble
And his facial features contort
His whole persona became menacing
His haunted eyes looked frightened
As they tried to focus inward
Away from his personal torment
In a desperate struggle to get back once again
Behind the mask
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