Equlibrium

A post-apocalyptic society shrunk from socialism at its worst, Whence a wicked mechanical catastrophe confounded in us a curse. The year was 3001 where what is has yet to be, A thousand years ahead of us with horrid technology. Each fetus is frozen beneath blue flames whose fuel, Burns beneath the dissected ice as it melts and drools. For a surgeon installs into the future infant, A chip to ensure it is socially sufficient. For in this year of 3001 all humans are programmed to be isometric, With a neural net that shocks the brain when the body is asymmetric. Now the year’s 3018, a boy of age eighteen, Plays a game of sport upon a well-mowed green. His body is lean and mind is sharp and better than the rest, And has within him the strongest heart inside his broadened chest. But when he’s better his neural net gives him a sudden shock, To prevent competition between his peers and maintain perpetual deadlock. A ballerina of the boy’s same year flutters on the stage, With grace that grants her an upper hand against young ladies of her age. But when she seems more perfect than the other girls she knows, Her neural net gives a sudden shock to prevent a stolen show. Little do these children know they’re made to be the same, By those who govern with technology as if life were but a game. Submitted for the contest “Science Fiction” sponsored by Deborah Guenther Beachboard