Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras

Ever since the flames licked 

my fair pink burning flesh,

nothing in my life has remained the same.



I had to go back in to 

save my little brother Chris. 

 Life without him would kill me, 

besides myself I would forever blame.

 

Even though it’s been ten years, 

my face still feels the pain.



Having to go through high school 

with a scarred face is just lame.



I’ve got the body of a goddess; 

I must admit I’m beautiful from the neck down, 

but the hideous burn scars 

on my face have remained.

 

Months after the accident 

weeks before school started,

a knock at my door came.



An anonymous donor sent a box

 full of beautifully hand decorated

Mardi Gras masks made for only the fairest lady, 

that’s the day I got my new name.

 

Each month a new box of masks 

would arrive and I would wear everyone.

I became known as the royal shapely, disfigured lady. 

Mardi Gras was my fame.

 

One night a mysterious white box appeared, 

inside rested the most unique and intricately 

adorned mask of all.  It was a pure white mask adorned 

with a delicate French ivory lace, fluffy pure white 

dove feathers and shiny white pearls outlined the mask.  

White is normally considered lame 

but this was breathtaking, nothing plain.  



Inside the box was also an

 invitation, asking me to attend 

the prom with "Masked Bandit" Lane.



 I couldn’t believe it! All along it was 

my handsome next door neighbor and

 Chris' best friend, who had been sending 

the ornate masks to me.  He was my hero now, 

my enthusiasm could hardly be tamed..  



Lane had always adored my brother Chris and seemed 

to like me too. I always knew he had 

a crush on me, but I never knew to what extent. 

I rushed over to his house where he was playing 

with my brother Chris a heated basketball game.



I hugged him and told him that 

I would love to go with him to the prom.



Just between you and me, 

Lane and I will always be the 

masked King and Queen of Mardi Gras 

and forever in love we will reign.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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Devonshire Avatar
June 17, 2010 at 4:49 PM
Wow! Is this a true story, Marie? I'm assuming it is because it reads so well and seems quite real. How brave you were to return to the burning building and save your brother. Apparently Lane realized that exterior beauty cannot match what is in a person's heart. So glad you and he went to the prom together! Another great inspirational poem for my favorites. Love, Carolyn
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