Poets logo

Puppet on Toxics

Freedom begins where the strings of control end.

By Michelle Liew Tsui-LinPublished about a month ago 1 min read

We mark the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery this day, December 2.

It is easy to become enslaved by obssessions.

Any attachment that pulls too tight becomes a chain.

🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡

Hung marionette on biting wire

Taut, its tugged strings sting -

Darkness pulls, it soon tires

Of endless jolts and swings.

🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡

Contorted in shapes not sought

Dancing in forms, bound tight;

A frayed string, a sudden pause

The grip strengthens with might

🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡

Marionette wakes, it tries to fight

The wires that tug and bind;

Pushes 'gainst the strings that bite

The mesh that cuts and blinds.

🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡

The barbed strings snap, one by one

Marionette in free fall

Drops to the floor, liberty won

It stands proud, not small.

🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡

Original poem by Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin. AI tags are coincidental.

Free Verseinspirational

About the Creator

Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin

Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments (3)

Sign in to comment
  • Lana V Lynxabout a month ago

    Excellent, metaphorically exquisite poem, Michelle!

  • RAOMabout a month ago

    The puppet show never truly ends. Sometimes they applaud us, sometimes they prefer a snack instead. What matters is that after the performance, there is serenity. The marionette certainly understands falling with a parachute. I liked it very much because it helps me focus on my goal. :))

  • Paul Stewartabout a month ago

    This is great Michelle. Loved the approach you took to speaking about enslavement in different context.

Find us on social media

Miscellaneous links

  • Explore
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Support

© 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.