the masked 'reader'

The Masked Reader

 

It comes with warmth, a friendly tone,

a note that seems to stand alone.

But read between the lines, beware-

not every praise is truly care.

 

“Beautifully done!” the words repeat,

yet nothing named, no detail sweet.

A hollow cheer, a practiced song,

a script that feels rehearsed, not strong.

 

The tale soon bends, the mask slips fast,

from reader’s joy to sales at last.

A childhood dream, a crafted pitch,

a subtle scheme, this bait-and-switch.

 

Three doors are opened, all at once-

email, Discord, Insta fronts.

A net is cast both wide and deep,

to pull you where the shadows creep.

 

“Reach out to me, before you buy,

I’ll answer questions, don’t be shy.”

But fans don’t sell, they simply cheer,

they don’t demand you draw them near.

 

So, mark the signs, the subtle wrong:

the tone too smooth, the praise too long.

A mask of love, a hidden plan,

not reader’s heart, but merchant’s hand.

 

 

 

.

Author's Note

One thing you'll notice is that they said they'd “read my story” when I only post poems. They didn’t quote or even allude to a single line; just gave generic praise. That’s another giveaway. A genuine reader usually mentions something specific that resonated with them. When the feedback is vague and mismatched, it feels less like appreciation and more like a template message. And then they want to get into your pockets!

Reviews

[Lorry]

I used to just block them, but like your good self I have no stories on here, so I decided to take umbrage at them and do a bit of my own sales pitch, which unfortunately for them was in Scots Gaelic and I don't even think google can translate that!
And yes, i made sure to copy and paste it to them all!
It went along the lines of if I did need an illustrator I wouldn't be choosing one that has so much time on their hands that they troll writing sites pimping their wares with zero evidence of talent.
But just in case they did translate it i threw in a few made up words just to confusify! 😀
It amuses me to think that worldwide there are "artists going into art supply stores asking for a left handed sprockler, because as we know, no serious illustrator could do without one! 😀
And in my defence, it was raining so I had a lot of van time on my hands! 😀

[redd Brick Keshner]

oh, i love this, love this, love this! It's a perfect come-back. No evidence not even a sampler of what they attempted with my actual work, like a swatch when you go shopping for paint or fabric. Cheers, Lorry! 🕊️🙏

[RomaJ]

This one really resonated with me, Redd. It reads like a fable for the digital age; a reminder that sincerity is becoming its own kind of rebellion. I love how you use rhyme here not as decoration but as containment, a structure that mirrors the very artifice you’re describing.

There’s something bittersweet in the idea of a “masked reader”.. that yearning for genuine connection in a space where language can be both gift and disguise. It made me think about how easily warmth can be mimicked, and how discernment becomes a quiet form of self-preservation for writers.

Beautifully done, and uncomfortably true.
..Roma

[redd Brick Keshner]

Thank you so much Roman, for mentioning that often overlooked quality of rhyme. It can prettify a line and make it alive in the ear but it can also allow a framed structure as well as an environment for meaning and expression to be constructed within an aesthetic and pleasing structure as well. I guess the overfilling of my inbox with spam just struck a nerve.
..Redd

[Michael Sun Bear]

These pests must have really gotten under your skin; I was surprised that you were so inspired you found the energy to carefully craft this rhyming poem about them. I just X them out. They don’t bother me nearly as much as all the ads on the website that we have to constantly close to maneuver our way anywhere.

[redd Brick Keshner]

You may be on to something there, Michael. I should know better! 🕊️🙏🏻