A puppeteer strings an open mouth,

She is me,                                 and I am her.

Tells me what to say−             but not how to think,

Obedient, my teeth clacking.

                                                Indecent

                                                To myself−

                                                How could I

                                                Ever−

Teeth clack, tongue

Lolling

Frolicking

But unbidden now                  Do I still have a say?

                                                Myself−

                                                My sweet self,

                                                Not undone but true

The strings pull, yet

                            I am my own foe.