by Thomas Carper

 Thomas Carper reads 

Automated Puppets



in RealAudio format.
     

   
Taped music masks engagings of the gears,
Clicks of the rods and levers, so that all
Moving upon the miniature stage appears
As perfect life. Yet at this royal ball
Small maladjustments, trivial details
Not expertly arranged, damage the dream:
While gentlemen nod and turn, one courtier fails
To do so smoothly and begins to seem
Injured, or ill. A curtsying woman hits
Her head against a gallant's outstretched hands
Repeatedly. And while the lutanist sits
Accompanying the performer where she stands
Swaying, her lips are motionless as she sings,
And strumming fingers never touch the strings.