Strings

A man who refuses to see uses metaphor for eyes, yet each
ray of light invented can only be seen by him. He controls the
fading fictions of his existence, isolated from the world of men
resorting to life in the world of a man - a world of his own creation.

 

A hubris of the soul, expecting to escape from tormentors
by withdrawal into fantasy. Yet these delusions are an abyss,
for he is his own puppetmaster. Two halves of one whole.
United and inescapable. The clock ticks but no time passes.

 

Fear. The empty void in man's soul that leads him to his end.
An end as inevitable as the cutting of the puppet's strings.
This fate he does not want, but longs for. What holds him back?
The puppetmaster smirks, and the status quo remains.

 

How then, to escape this thralldom of the other self?
His dreams show him a child, innocent and playful and bright.
With vigorous enthusiasm for life, resilient through every trial.
This image of who he used to be, will one day set him free.

Author's Note

I'm a little doubtful about this one. Thoughts? I'd like to hear how people interpret it.

Reviews

[Kaylee]

I don't think you should be doubtful. The analogy of a puppetmaster conveys disconnection within one person, and also disconnection from the rest of the world. Minds and hearts are often on different pages, and I think this poem shows how personal delusion can influence everyday actions. That is how I interpreted it, anyway. I liked it a lot. You should read some of my poetry as well. :)

[Isobella Rose]

I'm not quite sure how to interpret it, to be honest. I like the poem, but I think it's a little odd that you start another sentence in the same line and continue it to the next. I liked how you set the last stanza up the best. All in all, it is a good poem :)