Learn?

In the darkest of caves
arms, legs, heads in chains,
gazing at shadows
which crawl on a wall,
they learn:

discerning shapes,
giving names to ghouls...

No one can see
the fire behind,
the Puppeteers pulling
strings, uttering words
to be imprinted on
the captives' minds.

Few break the chains
and escape -
moths blinded by fire,
some burn in flames.
Others
crawl up to the surface -
eyes drink thirstily
sunbeams of gold,
erasing the memory
of darkness

below . . .

arms, legs, heads
in chains
their fellows
confined

in the darkest of caves

Puppeteers rule.