Painted Puppet

by Amanda Blanchard
(North Carolina)

to play the painted puppet
and tell the thoughts of another man
by the skill of a gentle master
whose truths are in my power
brings more joy than could be conceived -
my skills are beauty and voice;
I bring life to the ink
and passion to the lost hand -
see how the light does dance on my brow
while I leave puddles in my wake !
but to see the faces and feel the awe
in that one breathless moment
as silence cracks the boom
pushes me further still
to continue the charade
till there's nothing left but a thunderous roar