The Computer Screen

Of the items in the store, All were second hand An old computer did I buy, With a broken stand One side was badly scratched Two knobs were missing too But that’s not the story I’m about to tell to you T’was about the second week Of the ‘puter at my place Sitting there against the wall Near the old staircase I recall the night was late As I readied me for bed When I turned the ‘puter off, The screen … it turned blood-red The appearance caused a start I gasped a gulp of air I couldn’t turn my gaze away I stood right there and stared. Then a low murmuring From deep within the set Cold chills ran over me I’ve not forgotten yet A voice, low and menacing Containing graveled rasps I could not then stop again My involuntary gasp I stood there mesmerized My gaze remained transfixed Emotions racing through me And all of them were mixed The Voice on the other side Of the blood-red display screen Issued a command to me So ominous and mean: “Place your hand upon the screen And repeat these words to me: Where you are right now, Is where I need to be.” I felt my arm move upward Powerless to resist I felt a burning in my palm As the display screen it kissed I heard a voice and realized The speaker it was me: “Where you are right now, Is where I need to be.” As the words transmitted, Involuntarily, I could feel a change come on … Overwhelming me. As I stared in disbelief My hand – it disappeared Absorbed into the blood-red screen As the burning onward seared … Through my wrist, up my arm It’s hotness I could feel Inward was I screaming Not believing this was real! In reflection from the screen I was being pulled into I saw a face, and then I screamed: “That horrid face is YOU!” The rapid assimilation Continued then until All feelings were extinguished And all was calm and still. A trillion beings there transformed To tiny bytes and bits And ‘tis every part of us All websites now transmits Now here I am deep inside This computers’ display screen If there’s disturbance felt Oh so sharp and keen Just place your hand upon the screen And read these words to me: “Where you are right now, Is where I need to be.”