this is where I am and how I believed it would be
it is dark except for the glow from the computer screens somehow want them to project the shifting lines of numbers onto the walls across the notice boards and reflect off the eyes of the watching students to make it real – want this because that is how I believed it would be see it on TV and in the cinema but can not get it to do it – saw it in movies and in my mind reading pulp science fiction magazines the same magazines that line the rear wall surround the computers some in acid proof boxes others just covers faithfully reproduced as pictures hung with reverence monsters aliens damsels wizards warlocks Neanderthals flying-saucers me with arm round Harlan smiling trying to look like friends
when the light is on or curtains drawn back the floor silent with carpets reverent bookshelves explode with tension computer grey boxes hum a hard drive sonata till another internet séance when fingers-touch keys across the firmament
*Jim Bennett lives near Liverpool in the UK he tours throughout the year giving readings and performances of his work.