Every Working Heart Is Dark

"Oh, how could anyone not want to tear it all apart?"

They got in their cages a long time ago.
They do well enough, except when they panic.
They have no control of anything at all.

Outside, the brutal competition kills them
Without them ever knowing the reason why.
They convulse themselves. They keep the beast alive.

Their cages contract and collapse around them.
They sometimes drum long after all hope is gone.
They aren't to blame. No monster's without a heart.