Room 102
We’re sorry about that, but look:
we’ve shut the trap door
in the mask, and removed the mask from your face,
so the rats in the cage attached to it
won’t get you. Look, we’re even killing them,
mostly. And your breathing is slowing,
your tears are those of relief. You can leave
whenever you want. For the moment we’ll go on talking:
a few words, barely audible
but heartening, as if heard in the heat of battle. – Yes,
she betrayed you, and in a sense
we made her; but in all justice
she chose to, and choice is what’s coming,
what you so bravely fought for.
And Life, where one is always being defeated,
hopefully learning from one’s mistakes. –
Now telescreens are blind, and you
may write your diary undisturbed.
The face that stared at you from every wall
is gone, reabsorbed,
anonymous among the powerful.
You need no longer love it, though you’ll admit
the aura it projects
is lovable. Even ration cards are gone;
the stores are full of goods. Rise then and walk
forever towards the door
of this room that contains
the best thing in the world.
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