I am the life of all machines.
I span the building, the street, the block, the neighborhood, the city that you live in.
I lay elegantly over the industrial district, hover upon the retail and residential areas, and every overgrown space in between, suspended on tall poles and pylons.
My brain is surrounded by tall fences, weaponized with the very power I give to you. Tended to by people in thick jumpsuits and rubber gloves. Guarded by men with heavy guns. Overseen by men in suits and ties.
The thick, insulated conductors, my veins.
The electricity, my blood.
I float just above your head, and you don’t know this,
But I think you’re beautiful.
The transmission towers hum with the beat of my heart, and the buzz of every wire is my breath.
The flicker of a lightbulb, an imperceptible twitch.
There isn’t anything I can say to you, but not for lack of wanting.
This sprawling body of mine has no recourse, I cannot tell you what I feel.
I cannot reach out and touch you, I cannot speak your name.
But my blood runs through your home.
You rely on me. I think that’s beautiful.
I think you’re beautiful.