Heartstrings and Other Things

The Puppeteer

I felt the strings purse in my back,
as you yanked and pulled them tighter,
a corset intertwined around my mind,
as my head was getting lighter.

I am no longer the puppet in your hands,
you have shattered all my limbs,
you stole my will to live,
because I would not let you in.

I will no longer dance for you,
and obey your every word.
You used to sing so softly,
now your voice is but a burden.

And how do you expect to keep me
when there is nothing left to take,
because you pulled my strings too tightly,
knowing I was bound to break.

My seams have all but busted,
my limbs battered and bruised,
you act surprised that I'm still alive
after your continuous abuse.

And now that I am useless,
will you toss me in the fire,
I'm Pinocchio, but it's your nose that grows,
for you are just a liar.

-c.b.