Analysis of A Masquerade

Look, man, I'm confident about myself;
as for those friends of mine: let them say for themselves.
But, judging from their appearance
you never can tell.

You think he is so sure  of himself
because he carries himself about?
a lie!
There is a loophole
right in his inside
gnawing at his confidence.

You think because he dresses so well,
he is so confident;
listen: he thinks that cloth
does not fit him so well!

You think because he parades himself like that he is so sure of himself?
A lie!
He is just trying to cover up,
to make up;
he is only masquerading;
there is a Beatle in his inside
nibbling away at his confidence!

My friend, you think that man is superior to you? (Odiegwu)!
He is not; watch him:
you will find out his emptiness!

Come, you think you cannot approach him for friendship
because you assume he is so superior to you?
Above your status,
try him now and see!

Enyim, you think appearance matters a lot?!
A lie!

Appearance is only a Masquerade
of the true self.

*enyim: my friend: Igbo language;
*Odiegwu: Igbo exclaimation; literally, it means, "it is fearful."