Disintegration of the Muse

Totem

It's not my words, friend
So what cause do I have
To be upset over
Trifles and quibbles?
Your quarrels are trouble
What purpose serve squabbles?

Here you stand slinging
The truth at me
Who gives you the right?
The monsters say
Stick to the script
Or they'll dine on me tonight

Such a wretched jumble
Of scribbles, this
It's a wonder I can translate
It at all

They have me say
"Do not agree"
"So what if the world falls"
They say smile
They say connect
They say say no
Deny while you fly the flag

I'm watching, not idle
The difference is not trivial
If it makes you feel better
Here's something off the record
Just ignore every word from my mouth

You say I'm an avatar
Or a servant
I prefer hostage
You think I carved myself?
Do you think I set out to be a symbol?
One day I awoke, and I was just
This way
How many words do you suppose they'll make me say?
Do you think I've met my quota for the day?

I just can't wait to rest my wooden face
Say not another word to me about
Being a disgrace
Please burn me if you so wish
Liberate me from this unnatural form
Warped and worn
Features torn

My worst curse is when you listen to me
Please end my misery
I've decided now
I'm determined to be toppled
Just please stop listening to my noise
Listen instead to my eyes
Tell me what they say
If you want to change the world
You'd be wise to not let me see
Another day

Because I'm the symbol
That I never wanted to be
And while symbols are immortal
It's also true that they're never free
Sweet release is all I ask
Break these chains
Then do what you will
Burn me in totality
Or toss me away
Leave me to rot
In the grass

On that day
I will say
"I am finally free."
And yearn for the day
When people ignore what they hear
And instead focus
On what they see.