Mechanical Life
They promised me safety from harm and misfortune.
At first, they requested the donation of my hair and skin,
for my hair and skin were of brilliant beauty.
I thought to myself,
wouldn't it be wise to exchange beauty for security?
So I complied.
They supplied me with flexible steel skin.
It was immune to burning
and freezing.
Soon after, they asked for my hands and feet.
Alarmed, I asked, "What for?".
In reply I received,
"It's to invest in your safety,
We are lacking in physical power.
You will be given steel limbs,
Which will function virtually as yours do now."
I could not afford to relinquish my security,
and I would remain myself to the core.
Later again they visited me, this time inquiring for
my remaining skeletal muscle and my core organs.
"We are in need of organic fuel," they explained.
I protested, feeling an oniment fear in
through what remained of my body.
I try to escape, but my limbs are immobilized.
They have embedded a program outside of my consciousness.
I cry well oiled tears
As I watch them take my heart, liver, and bones.
As they leave they promise,
"This is all in the name of your safety,"
For my steel body will not die.
Floods of anger and hatred course throughout what remains of myself.
I am now only a mind,
unable to touch, unable to cry
unable to laugh, unable to die.
In terms of existing, I am safe.
No disease will conquer me and no fire will consume me.
My animalist desires have no route of escape.
Saddness and anger have no hope for relief.
My yearning grow exponentially.
At this point I wish I had the ability to cry.
I attempt to content myself with the thought,
"I am at least able to think for myself;
no one can restrict the capacities of my mind."
And there they were, barging in
Rudely demanding my mind for they lacked
"Intelligent power" this time.
I submitted myself, for what else could I do.
My existence was no longer mine.
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