Puppet-Master

by Myself
to a puppet-master
that I once knew
04~26-2010


Once again you set the stage
Take your place behind the curtain
Pre-rehearsed script, page for page
Of an ending you've made certain

Tugging all the strings
Changing scenes as you see fit
Savoring what applause brings
And reveling in it

Lights, camera, action
You molded the cast and lines
Zero tolerance for any infraction
Shocking what acting belies

Your feigned ignorance
Proof of your denial
Orchestrated song and dance
Integrity on trial

Curtain falls mid-scene
Lights fade in the silence
No security improv brings
No audience to even notice

No one left but the Puppet-master, all alone
Sad, twisted, and mourning dulusions
Reality stares beyond the masks once worn
Leaving the end credits conclusive