False Magic

A flash of light, a cloud of smoke A bang, a crackle, a poof Another trick tucked up a sleeve A magician's liable spoof A chunky beast, pulled from a hat A faulty deck of cards A handkerchief concealing coins And a fixed game of charades A truth concealed, between the beams of a stage that shoes no proof A hoop of flames that will not harm and a cloak concealing truth A precious maiden, cut in two A box with hidden doors A group of swords that bear no point And a trap door in the floor Fooling all with tricks untold A biased opinion made Achieving little yet claiming fame The magician takes the stage.