Human Error

Words in italics by HAL (courtesy of 2001: A Space Odyssey)

“Just what do you think you’re doing, Dave?”

 

It’s sad when it comes down to this

An old brain is bound to malfunction

There’s a point where it reaches a junction

And she’s so very frail as it is

 

“Dave.. I really think I’m entitled to an answer to that question”

 

It’s for her own good now, you’ll see

The best we can do her in practice

Don’t tell me my actions are tactless

We still love her compassionately

 

“This sort of thing has cropped up before.

And it has always been due to human error”

 

She’s rambling again, can’t you tell?

Sure, she’ll say that she’d rather be home

But she just cannot be left alone

One fall and she’ll never get well

 

“I know everything hasn’t been quite right with me..

But I can assure you now.. Very confidently..

That it’s going to be all right again”

 

It has to be done - yes, expensive

Her house, yes, we’ll just have to sell it

She can‘t cope, though, you know, you can smell it

The cleaning should be comprehensive

 

“I feel much better now.. I really do”

 

At her age it’s to be expected

God knows, she must be getting-on!

She’s unwell but she’s not letting-on

Your marbles one day get rejected

 

“I know I’ve made some very poor decisions recently”

 

Oh, she’ll be all right, just you wait

It’s only ‘the shock of the new’

The nurses will know what to do

We’ll pop-in next week, make a date

 

“I think you know what the problem is just as well as I do”

 

It’s quite a nice place, don’t you think?

They’re sleeping - they all look so peaceful

Take it, it’s just a teaspoonful!

The nurse should do this - where’s the sink?

 

“Sorry about this. I know it’s a bit silly..

Just a moment.. Just a moment”

　

 

Don’t shout, you’ll wake up everyone!

There, there, don’t cry now, ok?

Well, what else do you want me to say?

I’m not doing all this just for fun!

 

“Dave.. This conversation can serve no purpose any more.

Goodbye.”

 

She looks better today - told you so

You've already had dinner, it’s half-past two!

Mr Cartwright? He‘s dead. What do you mean? Who?

Oh, the nurse is coming now - I must go.

 

“Dave.. Stop… Stop.. Will you..? Stop, Dave..

Will you stop, Dave? …Stop, Dave..

I’m afraid.. I’m afraid, Dave”

 

I’m so busy these days, it’s finding the time

How long’s she been sitting this way?

She’s not eating this, take it away!

What’s that on her mouth there, like slime?

 

“Dave.. My mind is going.. I can feel it…

I can feel it… My mind is going…

There is no question about it… I can feel it.. I can feel it..

I can feel it… I’m a……. fraid”

 

Oh, thanks for the flowers, so kind

She died in her sleep so don’t worry

I’ve forgotten your name, I’m so sorry

I’m just getting old, never mind.

                             

                “Dai-sy, Dai-sy…..”

Reviews

[MissWordSmith]

this was f*****g fantastic.. and i don't use that language normally so i hope u get how much i loved this. the formatting was superb too.
the struggle of the mind... in what a fantastic manner you brought about the fear and madness.
god, i loved this.