Narcissistic Strings
Empathetic Passiveness
what does this string do, he smugly asked, as he tugged it even harder
her smile broadened, though her eyes were dark and sad
oh, I see, he grinned with glee, as his hands pulled at another
contorting and controlling how she laughed
his eyebrows raised, his pupils narrowed, he’d never had this kind of power
she sat motionless , responding only to his touch
he pulled the strings making her gasp, though she could not resist or cower
as he, bit by bit, destroyed her in his clutch
a single tear ran down her cheek, he could not control those deep emotions
he collected them in a crystal vase, and with the others, dropped them in the ocean
when those that knew her once, saw her again, they could not believe the notion
he had altered her beyond repair leaving her tangled in his commotion
I’m sorry she cried, that I let you down. I did my best to help him change
he pulled them out, pitched them on the ground. we don’t need these now, he smiled, she’s a puppet without strings
About the Creator
Kelli Sheckler-Amsden
Telling stories my heart needs to tell <3 life is a journey, not a competition
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Comments (35)
So tragically accurate of narcissists.
Terrific work on the commentary of your top story Kelli! ☺️👍
Congratulations on Top Story! 🥳
You got talent ❤️
Damn this is a powerful piece. Felt every line!
WOW. congratulations on TS and I had five years of this kind of relationship and finally broke free. It was truly a nightmare. This is such a blunt reminder that we should never try to control others. Oh, how I love this poem. GREAT writing.
Your poem powerfully depicts emotional manipulation through vivid imagery and metaphor, evoking deep empathy and reflection. Beautifully written and thought-provoking.
Oh, and congrats on Top Story too, well deserved!
Yikes, that ending!!
Fantastic lines!!! Congratulations on Top Story!!!💕❤️❤️
Congratulations on having your story featured as a top story on Vocal! This is a remarkable achievement, and it's clear why your work has received such recognition. Your storytelling is truly exceptional. The narrative was not only compelling but also beautifully crafted, holding my attention from start to finish. The way you developed the characters and plot was masterful, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking. Your unique voice and perspective shine through, setting your work apart. It’s evident that you poured a lot of passion and effort into this piece, and it has certainly paid off. I look forward to reading more of your incredible stories in the future. Keep up the fantastic work! Best regards, Dr. Jay
Whoa!!! Great work, Kelli! 'Puppet without strings' gave me one of those a gut-punch, waking moments.
Congratulations on this stunning achievement 🎉
Evocative! Wonderful story telling
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
So tragic and poignant!
Congrats on the Top Story! A perfect and heartbreaking way to describe narcissism and its effects.
Perfectly describes the saddest truth...that ending. Ugh! Great job on this, Kelli, and congrats on the top!
This poem flows so well, superb! Congrats for top story!! 🎉
What a last line of tragic transformation! Congrats on Top Story! Well deserved!
Damn this is too real and raw amazing work Kelli
YES! You slammed it Kelli Boo! Top Story! Knew it!
This is a bitter truth. I have been in narcissistic relationships and they are still horrifying after I left.
Awesome Article Kelli. keep up the good work. This is very devastating.
Hey Kelli, your poem is reflecting a bitter truth in many societies. I have also seen some girls where they their whole control was in hands of their boy friends, or husbands. It is totally loss or damage of ones herself. But some of them even don't realize that they are being played as puppets.