Turning and Lathing

Beware my ball bearing eyes,
tight-belted waist,
the way I twitch instead of smile;
the erosion of my inner child.
The way I put the friendship on brakes.
The scent of underarm sensors,
that cold methodical crank.
My tight, oiled cog which floods
whatever chambers remain.

My skirting lowers the gaze,
tugs at the curved collar,
breast plates,
visible below a gasket tight top.

I ratchet forward,
display my moving parts,
and the broken sensor,
the failed regulator
that is the heart,
sputters to a start,
muttering,
“I’m not a machine.
I hope
I’m not a machine.”

19 responses to “Turning and Lathing”

John

“the failed regulator that is the heart” I love that, it’s so true too.

LikeLiked by 3 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Happy Friday, John. Thank you. May your ticker keep time for many moons more.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. John
    
    You’re welcome, K, and thanks! ❤️☺️
    
    LikeLike
David Redpath

Taylor made poetry … I love it,
but then, I’m no ripped off swifty 😎

LikeLiked by 3 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  A couple of cogs later, it works well. Thank you. 💜
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
Captain Q

Love the imagery on this one.

LikeLiked by 3 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you. I enjoyed playing mechanic with this one.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
GraceoftheSun

Wonderful, K. Love this. Those closing lines are so powerful.💕

LikeLiked by 3 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you. It was fun to write something techie. 💜
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. GraceoftheSun
    
    My pleasure 💕
    
    LikeLike
Jeff Flesch

Wonderful words, K. Hearted-hope resounds here. Happy weekend, my friend. 💜

LikeLiked by 3 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Happy weekend, Jeff. I’m sorry I didn’t see your words earlier. Family fun tonight and this one, pure indulgence. I appreciate your comments. 💜
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. Jeff Flesch
    
    Thank you, K. It’s okay, I completely understand. Have fun with the fam, special times. 💜
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
Tom

Very evocative portrayal, K – some beautifully vivid descriptions you sprinkle here! 🙂

LikeLiked by 3 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you. It was all about building to the line and that sci-fi age-old battle. So cathartic.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. Tom
    
    Definitely – a really memorable depiction woven together 🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. K.Hartless
    
    I don’t know why you’re so kind to me, but I really appreciate it. 💜
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
tiffanyarpdaleo

Wonderful words, K, and I love the song too! 😉

LikeLiked by 3 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you, Tiff. It’s an old favorite of mine, but seemed just right for this new poem. Happy Thanksgiving to you, dear friend.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply