On the Tour
Before proceeding to the main attraction, the people were requested to remove their shoes and watches.
They were to be placed in safety boxes until a later time.
While on the tour, the cacophonous machines that lined the path would have been deafening,
but luckily ear protection was made available, courtesy of generous sponsors.
The automated guide spoke softly and directly into the ear of each person.
The voice was smooth and soothing, and they were not afraid.
With bright eyes and open hearts they proceeded down the path.
Before each of them was a large television screen, showing a variety of clips.
At first, the clips were specially matched to suit the interests of the viewer, but as the tour progressed,
the clips became increasingly similar. At the half way point, everyone was watching the same footage.
They did not notice, they did not mind.
While the people were busy watching, the machines were busy outfitting each individual with his or her very own
action suit. The suits, like the television programs, were much the same. Hair was clipped and eyes were fixed,
posture was corrected with the touch of a metal arm, and all of the teeth were straightened and whitened to perfection.
The television screens were state of the art, and the viewers had never seen a clearer picture
nor a more engrossing show.
At the end of the tour, a small serial number was painlessly and neatly printed at the napes of their necks.
The television program ended, and they all applauded. As they made their way off the path and into the new world,
they smiled, strangely and effortlessly fulfilled.
They did not think to return for their shoes and watches.
They were to be placed in safety boxes until a later time.
While on the tour, the cacophonous machines that lined the path would have been deafening,
but luckily ear protection was made available, courtesy of generous sponsors.
The automated guide spoke softly and directly into the ear of each person.
The voice was smooth and soothing, and they were not afraid.
With bright eyes and open hearts they proceeded down the path.
Before each of them was a large television screen, showing a variety of clips.
At first, the clips were specially matched to suit the interests of the viewer, but as the tour progressed,
the clips became increasingly similar. At the half way point, everyone was watching the same footage.
They did not notice, they did not mind.
While the people were busy watching, the machines were busy outfitting each individual with his or her very own
action suit. The suits, like the television programs, were much the same. Hair was clipped and eyes were fixed,
posture was corrected with the touch of a metal arm, and all of the teeth were straightened and whitened to perfection.
The television screens were state of the art, and the viewers had never seen a clearer picture
nor a more engrossing show.
At the end of the tour, a small serial number was painlessly and neatly printed at the napes of their necks.
The television program ended, and they all applauded. As they made their way off the path and into the new world,
they smiled, strangely and effortlessly fulfilled.
They did not think to return for their shoes and watches.