Marionette With Broken Strings
A marionette with broken strings
Who’d like to fly; maybe get some wings
Trapped, alone and unsatisfied
While the world keeps changing, just outside
Been neglected and gathering dust
Metal joints are showing rust
Paint is chipping and clothes are faded
Never dying; just more outdated
Such a plight; it’s sad but true
Tricked into this point of view
There is no prison, no bars or gates
Gaslighted into the role of inmate
Someone nasty played an evil role
Years went by as they controlled your soul
Love and pain went hand in hand
Stripped you bare; theirs to command
A plaything, a toy, a manipulated life
Daily grind on the edge of a knife
Convinced, controlled, and manipulated
Under foot and dominated
A weakened body and failing mind
Textbook case, outside of time
Indoctrination and finally surrender
But at the hands of a vile pretender
They use you when the time is right
But only when you give them light
To them you’re nothing; just another tool
Your wishes forgotten; you’re miniscule
Darker thoughts and no imagination
Another slave on their plantation
Yet deep inside, a spark still yearns to burn
And time exists to still unlearn
Forget the tricks, the abuse and lies
Take a chance and open your eyes
Someday soon try breaking free
The controlling cycle has a key
A lock of sorts, but with thin white strings
The master pulls, the victim sings
Start thinking with a sharpened mind
Fight your fears, but watch behind
The cutting each of the tiny cords
Staying strong so they won’t be restored
Cut one today and wait a while
With a stomach churning, full of bile
The anticipation of being caught
Once cut strings then tied in knots
Or switched for something worse, like rope
A dangerous game – betting on hope
Shake off that horrible marionette disguise
Close your mind to neutralize
The great escape, the step outside
It’s now or never; don’t run or hide
Cut those cords; you must resist
Think of all the life you’ve missed
- When We Lost Control - October 13, 2025
- The Crumbling Space Around Me - October 10, 2025
- Sorrow - October 9, 2025
A well chosen photo Ralph. It’s sad that so many people are hanging about like her, lost in a captured world of violence and cruelty. When people exist only because others control them and allow them to live is a testament to a corrupt society of drugs, alcohol and their hold over poor souls who are controlled by them and others. I give credit to those who are street helpers and helping lost souls break away and set free their minds and souls from tyrants. I couldn’t imagine living a life of subjugation and control, I’d sooner be dead. Well penned and very visual. Kudos
Yes, an apt photo indeed, and a poignant write Ralph, as to that human need to control, administer human will on others. So nicely crafted my friend, great phrasing and imagery and a dark ominous feel. Great work Ralph. Kudos.
Very well phrased with vivid imagery. It is so hard to cut the cords and break away when one is controlled by another, yet it can be accomplished. Excellent piece, Ralph.
It is difficult to break that control/cut those cords. Sometimes the puppeteer is so slick you dont even know you’re being manipulated. I love the sense of urgency toward the end of the piece Ralph, nice work.
Ralph, as always from you..masterly written and constructed. Vivid phrasing and message, and a great tempo and rhyme scheme made this a pleasure to read.