beyond our control,
we are able to do
without believing
what we're told.
Though we dance
like marionettes
who were
commanded
to their poses,
we nonetheless
rise up and give
the audience a
damn good show.
You may yet ask—
ought we not
be troubled
at the thought
of our mouths being
opened and closed
like hand puppets
made of old
athletic knee socks?
But the answer
depends upon whether
or not
you resist feeling
pushed
and then pulled
to admit
that, even if
each line has been
meticulously scripted,
it's completely
up to us
which how much
passion we'll
perform it.
