Flesh Consumed

A poem about a machine.

This is my response to day 23 of the Halls of Pandemonium writing challenge. Today’s prompt was to write a story or poem about a machine you saw in your dreams.

The image is of the 2017 art installation “Can’t Help Myself” by Sun Yuan and Peng Yu. The first time I saw it (not in person—unfortunately I never had that experience), it horrified and moved me. I drew major inspiration from it for this poem.

It was beautiful.
Every gear, every wire,
Every rod, every plate,
Elegant in its placement

I built the machine
Pouring into it so much
Blood and sweat
I had no fluid for tears

When I ignited it
The machine devoured
All it could see
Leaving behind only carnage

It hungered for more
I fed it, fueled it
Oiling its mechanisms
Venting its burning exhaust

When there was nothing left
The machine turned to me
It roared and lunged
And swallowed me whole

---

If you enjoyed this poem, or found it meaningful or well-written, please consider doing one (or more) of the following:

Paid subscribers get an exclusive personalized poem or drabble.

Thank you, and I look forward to sharing more of my work with you.