To my favorite actor and long time friend, T.G. Cody

Mystery man, who are you now,
a jack of all the talents of the stage?
Are you a clown pretending with a silly frown
when smiles inside are nowhere to be found?
Are you a mime in a derby hat
fascinated by the slightest sound,
intrigued by the network of your own illusion?
Or are you the actor, confused between reality and
all the characters you play?
What man of nobility would you be today?
Oh, master of disguise play no pretense with me.
No mask can ever hide a man's true quality.
Be what you will to the world
but be yourself with me.
I do not wish to be deceived.

Mystery man, who are you now,
a jack of all the talents of the stage?
Are you master of your fate
or just a lonely fool
who would be king
tangling all upon a string?

By Shirl A. Steward
Copyright 1984

Link to 'The Tell Tale Cell' a video featuring T.G. Cody