Printed Words

Printed Words are a mechanical device,

an imperfect mechanism.

They slam into each other like metal robots gone amuck,

"MALFUNCTION! MALFUNCTION!"

Bearings melt, hinges disengage,

stainless steel alloy frames twist --

the very structure of the machine screeches in protest,

but carries on with a will all its own.

Mindlessly performing a task to some meaningless end,

long after its creator is dead and buried.

by TJ Richter

© March 23, 1986 Theodore J. Richter