The Marionettes Of The Ballet Poem by Tiffany Rose Moczydlowski

I.
A tug. A twist.
Rope burns into her dangling wrists.
A tortured face.
Displays a caricature of grace.
Applause breaks out.
Her weeps turn into desperate shouts.
Routine over.
This ballet run by a monster.
Immense regret.
The fate of a marionette.

His demeanor is struck by horror...
How unnoticed had been that pain of her's?
Clearly into her face it's carved
Creased into her heart with scars.
As the audience trails out
A man in the theatre sneaks about.
Observes with mounting shock
Of the sly puppet-master's lock-
Her wooden control-piece nailed to
Heights above the stage, askew
With the performing prisoner still attached.
''Why, from her body her soul seems detached! ''

Tears slide down as Christine sings
Heart skips a beat as Adam listens
Realization hits as lyrics soar
Promises repeated as tears glisten

''Little ballerina,
You're as safe as can be.
Little ballerina,
Someday you'll see.
Little ballerina,
Don't shed a tear.
Little ballerina,
Mommy's still here.
Little ballerina,
Don't say a word.
Little ballerina,
Your voice will be heard.''

II.
''Indeed, your voice has been
And through it I live the pain you're in.''
She frowns at those words.
''How did you find me here?
Your curiosity should be checked by fear.''
He frowns at this decree.
''Tonight I saw an angel dance,
But she seemed stiff and scared.
I wished to find this beauty,
And see why she's impaired.''
She blinks slowly, stunned.
''Not many notice my captivity,
Never has one cared.
She has me trapped for money,
And for this I am spared.''

They spend the night together
They learn each others' lives
Each looks upon the other as equal
Each makes the other forget strife
By the time they bid goodbye
Both wish the night had not flown by

A fortnight passes.
Everyday he visits,
Twilight to sunrise.
Hearts beat together.
Every time he visits,
Twilight to sunrise.
Lovers are united.
Every time he visits,
Twilight to sunrise.
A fortnight passes.
Everyday he visits,
Twilight to sunrise.

III.
One dim dusk his heart explodes.
One agonizing thought he cannot bear.
One more night her spirit is neglected.
One more time she remains impaired.
One desperate pain his mind creates.
One whispered word he releases- ''Escape! ''

''I can't become free! ''
Her eyes etch a graveyard of hope.
''I promised my dear Mommy...''
Her vow that she could cope.
''Your agony she does not see! ' '
His eyes paint a portrait of pain.
''I owe Madame this usage of me.''
Her remembrance brings her disdain.
''Only this way could I dance.
She gave me my only chance-
For my mother was soon laid to rest...
I owe to her my life, to do my best.''

''But you knew not the consequence!
That you could you've done the best...
I know that ballet to you is life,
But I see the torment you hide.
Elsewhere you can perform-
Then you shall no longer be torn.
For to stay here is to share
Your mother's tomb with all you bear.
Your bonds your noose, the stage gallows!
Darling, don't force this pain on tomorrows.''
Sobbing, neither refutes nor denies
That this place only darkens their eyes.

IV.
Preparations planned.
A pact of bravery.
Slowly starting.
A fortnight of waiting.
Finally fleeing.
A travel of worry.
Relief resounding.
A night of bliss.

Only a single day passes
Before their cruel captor
Discovers their betrayal
And tracks them down
''Little ballerina,
Do you feel loved?
Little ballerina,
Do him you trust?
Little ballerina,
Don't go away.
Little ballerina,
You'll wish you'd stayed.''
Her ultimatum burns the atmosphere
As she leaves the duo alone.

Heart stats frightened as Christine thinks
Head loses focus as Adam listens
Resolve hardens as her love shines
Promises repeated as their decision speaks

V.
Never before had danger brought such ease
Always before they were fated to be alone
Never before had such smiles donned their faces
Always before they were abandoned by strength
Never after did they question their gain
Always after they led others from those paces
Never after did that tormentor sell another show
Always after their worries stay released

For hours had passed and
Exhaustion took its toll
The runaways welcomed rest
And no dangers subsided
She crept up in the night
Took out both their lives
But their souls linger
And to that woman's stage they cling

Every night she dances
Glides about the empty stage
Mommy looks on joyously
Happy her little girl is safe
Sees a man take her daughter's hand
Their devotion simply displayed
An immortal custom created
By the ones who refused to play
The Marionettes of the Ballet