Recording Echoes on the Brink

For pressing panic into orderly boxes, there is no substitute

       For the human voice, for the genuine article.

              Synthetic instructions are 82% as effective,

                   9% more likely to be ignored

So chaos can cast shadow puppets across our faces.

                   This must not be permitted to pass, so I am called in

              To record the warnings, guidance, and messages of calm

       To be played echoing along sidewalks and in lobbies,

My voice through mounted megaphone throats

My voice is algorithmically ideal for soothing,

       For quelling, for quashing, to speak law to rule, it’s

              28% authoritarian mother, all finger wags and soiled room nagging

                     19% granny’s tea from knobbed palms immune to scorching

For those who need comfort’s wrappings.

                     15% newscaster flat, relaying horrors in bite-sized bits

              13% polished politician’s gleaming assault on the truth

       11% fifth-grade teacher, holding hands through grammar and math

4% rockstar snarl, seasoned by cigarettes and fisted rage

For those who fight and foment.

The rest is unquantifiable. Grey matter elements.

The first days were about containment

“Remain within your homes and await instruction.”

The first weeks were about control

“Those who follow instructions will not be harmed.”

The first year was about the body

“Food and water will be provided, await delivery.”

The second year was about the soul

“Cannibalism remains a crime.”