here are the rules

behind the mask is empty space just air
and light or dark depending on the time
nothing at all flashy just completely clear
free of all dirt and sweat and even slime

the false fruit is red a duller red the gods
that no one worships light and shadow fill
the spaces on this desk and no long odds
against their being the same on the hill

beyond the house the sunset pearly sky
the shadow rising to consume all space
that we can see or touch that's not a lie
the long lines fill on every human face

the world is calm and far beyond the sea
new shoots appear on the gnarly world tree