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
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.