No Excuses, Please

Ever idealized
Never analyzed…

Masked faces
Crafted graces
Pleasing words
Deceiving phrases…

Their intent
crooked and bent
Made-up smiles
Hidden guiles
Manipulated manners
Apt scanners
Playful praise
Skilful stage…

I was trapped
I was mapped…

What intelligence!
Failed to read
even naked pretence…

My misery
their devilry
or, my stupidity…