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Puppeteer
by Hīrā Hayami
I understand the clear instuctions coming from your knuckles
As we get to work
Oh!
How the sound of grinding gears
Cut straight through my very soul
Answer me this, old friend
Are your tired, fragile bones
Yet wearing thin?
Both your bones and mind
intertwined,
Slowly decaying
Are giving off the smell of brittle tin
Where are we going tonight?
Tell me
How shall I feel?
You, decide now how my joints will move evermore unreal
"Tap"
"Clink-", "Clack!"
"CRACK"
Proud, you prod me along our star-lit stage,
Draw their gaze
Here's an audience made by your favorite prize
Empty star-crossed promises
Are all that we are
Here and now
Even with you
Naught a single part of me remains
I am unfulfilled
Were they right after all?
I am in dire need of maintenance
The very ends of me are splintering
I'm spinning and spiraling
Dancing for you
Throwing myself out of control
Do you see me now?
Are you watching the glitter that is steadily drifting down upon
My malleable, manueverable,
Satisfying,
Cute little face?
In the most beautiful,
Elegant,
And most tragic of ways?
Do you hear that?
It's a cryptic chorus echoing in these chambers
Comprised of my colorful, creative cries
The room is filled with their applause
But the music's long dead
You all adore my cleverly-crafted wooden physique
See how I shine
I am your favorite profitable design
You and I both know what to do
We're not done until the curtain's been called
And so, for you, again, I will do my absolute best
Is there really a choice?
I must give them a memorable show
Presented prettily, undoubtedly delivered with perfect poise
Thereafter all the noise
Catch me
Or not, as
My feet and body collapse
I'm sure as ever,
Our showmanship's never, ever been the sort to disappoint
The strings between the you and I
Shall never wear
What we have will never fade
I might
Our bond gleams overwhelmingly strong in the all-endowing showcase light
I'm forever a good puppet
Always will be!
It doesn't matter to me
whether you decide to let me down gently tonight
Or if you would rather toss me aside carelessly
While thinking of the next morning's tea
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