The Light from the AC

Imboon, G8

Some nights, the only color in the world is the light from the AC. Unmoving, steady green, a reassurance that I’m still me. Lately I haven’t been so sure about that, my sense of self suspended in space, disconnected from my marionette self. I am the hand that moves the strings but I do not feel.

The AC light shines on.

Sometimes I fear something will sever my puppeteer strings from my limbs. That I’ll collapse, the marionette falling from my grasp, lifeless limbs and hair splayed out on the cold, unforgiving stage. How to go on? How can the show continue, when I’ve lost my puppet? I imagine a porcelain face, which shatters in my mind’s eye. Is that what will happen once my strings are cut?

The AC light shines on.

Yes, that’s how it’ll end. The marionette crumples under her own weight, jointed limbs clattering on the ground, the doll’s face still. Unmoving, still smiling as she shatters into pieces. And who will pick them up? Who will sweep up the powder, who will iron the dress? Who will fit the jointed limbs together, who will repaint her face? Will anyone care enough to fix her? If not to restore her, then to remember? Who loves her enough to be there, unmoving, a steady flame, a reassurance that she has someone?

The AC light blinks out.

Humans of Concordian Project

Step into the world of Concordian through the lens of our G8 English LanguageAcquisition students with “Humans of Concordian.” Inspired by the style of Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this special feature in Voices Magazine showcases the diverse stories of Concordian staff members, all connected to the theme of Chaos and Calm. From tales of personal challenges to moments of triumph, the students captured the raw and authentic narratives of individuals in our community through video-recorded Big Talk interviews. Discover the human experiences that shape our school, from heartwarming anecdotes of resilience to thought-provoking insights on finding balance in the chaos of life. Join us in celebrating the power of stories and the voices that make up our Concordian community. Happy reading! Stay connected, stay engaged, and stay inspired with “Humans of Concordian”!