Cypress Branches Literary Journal - Lamar State College-Orange

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Prose – First Place
Powering Down
Ashley Dougherty
Here I am, a simple thing, a complex machine. See my buttons? My shiny keys? We talk for
hours, even if I’m only indirect in the conversation. That’s fine; I’ll convey what you say. Over miles
I’ll whisper your every outward notion. What’s that? I’m not your first? That’s all right, because you
love me; I love you.
It’s been a year. Do you love me? We go everywhere. I’m cradled in your hand or even in your
purse. Yes, I’m so small. Aren’t I efficient? Do you like the custom wallpaper on my screen? Of course
you do because you love me. You need me. You can’t leave the house without me. I love you too.
Whisper with your thumbs, and we’ll send a message across seas.
It’s been two years. Do you love me? I don’t feel so well… You have to treat me more gingerly.
Don’t get angry, I’m sure the signal is just over there. Don’t leave me at home. Don’t you love me? Is it
because I’m not holding my charge like I used to? I’m trying. Maybe a new battery will help. Is it
because my screen has tiny scratches? It’s not my fault. Don’t you love me? I love you.
Battery Low.
Help me; I’m dying. I’m flashing and screaming. Can you see me? Can you hear me? Do you
care? No, don’t put me on silent! I’m scared! Lying on the couch shaking with fear, I’m scared. Don’t
let me die. Where’s the charger? Where have you gone? I need your help! Don’t let me die. I’m falling
between the cushions. Help me! Hello? Don’t you love me?
You can’t see me flashing, and honestly it doesn’t look like you’re looking for me anymore. I
guess it’s because I’m missing two keys. It’s not my fault I’m not shiny. I miss you. Won’t you find me?
I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die! The bell tolls, and you rush to the front door.
I’m not over there. Please look between the cushions. Don’t you love me anymore?
You receive a package. I don’t know what to make of it. You’re really excited. Is it a new
charger? A new battery? You didn’t forget me after all! You make your way to the couch and sit down.
My heart falls when I see someone else in your hand. He has a touch screen and a camera function. He
slides open and greets you with fancy tunes. I can’t compete with that… but still….
How could you?
You read the book, and it isn’t long before you’re whispering to him instead of me. I feel our ties
disconnect, and my bars disappear. As I search for signal, the agony is draining my power faster.
Perhaps it’s better because I don’t know how much of this I can handle. I can’t stop trembling; my wires
are quaking down to the core. My heart is broken. I can’t go on anymore. I wasn’t your first; I see I’m
not your last. I guess I’ll die now. You won’t miss me. You don’t need me. You don’t love me.
I love you.
Powering down.
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