inspired by the 1986 film “chopping mall”

by Alexis Rhodes

the kill-bots came for us

programmed to take out thieves

they glitched their code

while we fucked in the furniture store.

they aimed their lasers:

seek, explode

eyeballs gone, skin flaps flying

broken and bent garage doors

and we danced, just us two

in the wreckage

and we laughed, just us two

at the messes

the kill-bots may yet become sentient

but it’s nothing compared to

the moment we met

that spark that could light up the mall.

electronic killers all programmed to shoot

while we made love in a broken elevator.

to die with you is a strange little joy.

Photo of Alexis Rhodes

BIO: Alexis Rhodes is a queer, polyamorous poet, playwright, performer, and marketing strategist based in North Carolina. Her poetry has been described as raw and confessional, with just enough humor to lighten the mood. Alexis lives with her husband, two kids, and a hedgehog named Hedge.