Automaton

Whirring noises from within my clockwork head
Start a chain reaction standing me upright
Paradox incarnate, I'm a metal man
Human in appearance when my bolts are tight

Am I moving on my own if movement's all I know?

I'm an experiment
It's a success: They say
I don't know

If I could change it
If it were me
Would I have decided to obey?

Contradicting thoughts pass through my tungsten brain
Would I feel fulfilled in forging my own path
Dwelling on it, I begin to go insane
Bursting at the seams with envy, fear and wrath

Do I have to give up freedom to be in control?

I'm an experiment
It's going rogue! They cry
Is this fine?

Now that I've changed it
Now that I'm free
Is this me?