Festival of the Puppets

by Snipe

I call out-
come poppet!
come marionette!
come puppet!

The festival banners beckon
share with us your wisdom
your secrets
your stories
your games

We watch betranced
the gamelan* plays
all through the night
the shadow puppets dance
and sing
mysteries released
by the flickering flame

The puppets bloom
scrolls of wisdom
pour from their noble lips

Storehouses of culture
tales of struggles
between gods
and Humans
and Saurians

Lessons wrapped in flowers
dripping with intrigue
and haunted temples

The Island opens it's heart
to receive this special gift
histories arise new born

The puppets wave and bow
to a thankful audience
then disappear off
stage and screen

Their secrets silent
until the next festival.

*Gamelan- an Indonesian orchestra made up especially of percussion instruments (as gongs, xylophones, and drums).