Open “Separation / Séparation” by Annie Abrahams
With this poem Abrahams challenges our cyborg condition, reminding us that we are not as joined to computers as we might think. What are our points of contact between our bodies and that of our computers? To your average personal computer, we consist of fingers that can push buttons, slide over a trackpad, move a mouse over a desk, and speak into a microphone. Through these simple points of contact we live elaborate and rich symbolic lives in virtual environments. But with all the variety of activities carried out inside computers, the body does the same movements over and over, leading to repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, bad posture, neck strain, and other bodily calamities.
This is a poem to be read at the end of a long day at your computer. Its pace will help you slow down, and the exercises will restore you to your body.
Featured in Electronic Literature Collection, Volume 2, ELO 2013: Chercher le Texte Virtual Gallery
