uncanny

art by Laurie Simmons

How We See / Tatiana / Pink, by Laurie Simmons, 2015

Art today is photography by Laurie Simmons from her series, How We See (2015), which depicts models with eyes closed and new eyes painted on their eyelids.

Uncanny valley psalm
(uncanny valley: a sensation of unease or revulsion caused by a computer-generated figure or humanoid robot bearing a near-identical resemblance to a human being) 

Though I have walked through
the shadow of this valley, 
have seen a glow in the eyes flicker, 
then bulb-like, blink off; 
a sparkle glaze, 
reflecting only glass;
felt pores wax over, 
cream (or whisky) in the voice vaporize; 
seen heads at dinner swivel, 
eyes scan other tables 
for links to an all new chat,   
heat-seek suitor simulacra,   
lube to stave onset rust, 
squeaks of vinyl on vinyl,
from one whose selfie smile 
bares nothing but bright teeth
ripping at my heart,
      I am unafraid,
      for the world as it is  
      knows nothing of machines.