Triple-A Battery by Arden Hunter

I’m one of those objects who names themselves

robot alien computer battery - the last one has stuck to my skin

I’m a triple-A battery AAA

It's fine you can smile feel uncomfortable be public about it

I said it so you have permission right?

I am othered from the others by my very own voice no

gender no libido and I don’t know how to love not

like you do anyway not an automatic function

my love is a choice and it chooses fascination I’ll take

notes make a spreadsheet

(I’ve been caught before

and the data was lost

so the files are all hidden

and password-protected as humans don’t like to be evaluated)

track your changes to discover your codes and your meaning

I’ll devote my thoughts to finding your answer as fast as I can before the

battery runs low and it’s all too

confusing again before the robot

malfunctions the alien

leaves before the computer

crashes and the spreadsheets are

lost (all lost)

this object I am has no designated

spaces

(aside from the ones I can claim when I’m fearless)

I’m afraid now though so

the ports are all closed the

circuits are frozen I’m

gathering dust (as objects often do)

I can’t be a battery if I’m sharing myself no

metal shell or acid to melt in

the robot has bones and the alien bleeds

red blood that will crash the computer

when you look for me in the tangled remains I hope you’ll find my files

hope you’ll see that I loved you as batteries do

drained dry without charge

and essential

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Arden Hunter is an aroace agender writer, artist and performer. With an eclectic range of interests from the horrific to the whimsical, the theme tying all their work together is an inexplicable and unconditional love for the ridiculous beast that is called 'human'. Find them @hunterarden.