You muzzled me,
taking the key away.
I waited for my carrot.
Sticks followed stones.
They poked me.
They jeered
but I believed.
If I was just good
for long enough.
I stayed mute;
my hands empty,
eyes ahead.
I pretended not to see
candy falling into the hands
of the rebels, the misfits,
and the artists.
I applied for your approval,
selected my Waldo moment.
I stayed the course you set.
My rat for your cheese.
My obedience in triplicate.
You stamped me;
rewards delayed.
I misunderstood
what I was playing for.
The rule book is faulty.
Only the dead reap the prize.
