Jesus said A program

remembers, doesn’t it, where you 
stopped watching the movie, 

where you clicked off those books
before shutting off the light. 

Other programs remember 
your searches, your queue, passwords, complaints, 

the wallpaper you chose, how loud, how bright
you preferred things to be, your presence 

in the streaming firmament. 
What I want to know is, 

after you’ve climbed up the seven-storey bardos
(louder and brighter than you prefer, I’ve heard), 

how long do you think they’ll remember your place, 
hold it open for you, keep it warm? 

Patrick Donnelly | Written on the mirror in steam,
Contents | Mudlark No. 61 (2016)