The Anatomy of a Puppet

                 It's those strings and things.
                 Those old tattoo's.
                 That cherry wood.
                 Those faded blues.
                 The eye that needs to be re-painted.
                 The nails and screws.
                 They keep his head inflated.
                 It's the time.
                 The cost.
                 Repairs aren't cheap, nor
                 the pharmaceuticals required to help a puppet sleep.

                 It's those strings and things.
                 Those skinny arms.
                 That colossal nose.
                 Those false alarms.
                 The act's the same... the same for years.
                The same audience, too.
                When the smoke disappears.
                 It's that loose hinge
                 and the tousled hair.
                 That dummy needs Intensive Woodshop Care. 

                 It's those strings and things.
                 Those yesterdays.
                 That scuffed-up suitcase.
                 Those metal ashtrays.
                 The anatomy of a puppet, man
                  or the remnants of a puppets plan.  
                  It's those strings and things.
                  The wear and tear.
                  It's the hand in the pants of puppets everywhere.