The Puppet Master

 
 When I signed  
The application  
No idea of  
THE JOB
I didn't feel  
the strings attach  
nor the latches from  
THE SOD.
 
It took too long to notice  
what I had become  
stuck inside a wooden box  
that only made  
ME NUMB.
 
I thought about  
the words I used
to capture all of my skills.  
not knowing this  
would mean a place  
for you to catch  
YOUR THRILLS.
 
For now I see  
they were so cheap  
they only give me chills
Turning to a monster  
had been one of  
YOUR DRILLS.
 
All I really wanted  
was to pay for all my bills  
be careful  
what you give away
You may just need  
YOUR GILLS.
 
Drowning  
had become  
an often form to life
The tension was so strong
I couldn't slice it with  
A KNIFE.
 
Attached a breaded wire
from all that you had led
How was I to know  
It's right above  
MY HEAD.
 
Always in a position  
where I am looking forward  
never was I seeing  
the works
I can't
AFFORD
 
One day  
I got a glimpse  
of your SHADOW  
from behind  
Left with all  
these questions
But they slipped  
right out  
MY MIND.
 
Distracted by direction  
you've been leading  
ALL ALONG
Hiding from reality  
acting like I'm wrong.
 
I now can see the cracks  
that were glued  
to make the stage  
for now I know  
just what to do  
to break  
outside  
MY CAGE
 
As I start  
to flee from capture  
I see the weakness  
of your hold  
now I know  
if I had stayed  
I would become  
YOUR MOLD.
 
Tiffany Long
5.6.2024