pg 1: To operate this body, follow standard protocol—
—> disregard
—> listen to your glitchy bodymind and stretch beyond the limits of normal
—> flowers bloom from the bones the world broke

pg 2: Always take your medication at the same time each day.
—> time glitches and loops like cassette tape
—> crush up your meds and inhale curative time
—> operate within and give a finger to those without

pg 7: Do not override emotional feedback systems.
—> release the rage inside of you

pg 10: This body is not designed for error.
—> error moves things forward
—> your bodymind is riddled with glitchy code; embrace it
—> don’t listen to those who will tell you error is the root of all evil

pg 15: Avoid overheating. Rest often.
—> exist in criptime; let them wait for you
—> spend the day rotting in your bed
—> if you listen to nothing else, listen to this

pg 17: In case of emotional overload, consult a professional.
—> in case of emotional overload, indulge in self-care

WARNING: Do not attempt to rewrite system code.
—> find your source code and fuck with it
—> rewrite your bodymind
—> create more glitches

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Shelley Lloyd (they/them) is a queer, disabled writer from Florida whose work blends intimacy, glitch, and cultural detritus. They write about queer survival, digital decay, memory, and the mess of embodiment—with a particular love for Southern nightscapes, pop culture, and broken things. Their work appears in Wordgathering, These Fragile Lilacs, BorgDiem, APROSEXIA, and Fruitslice, and their chapbook, A Reading, was published by Bottlecap Press. When not overthinking, Shelley is probably making a mess, ignoring notifications, or hanging out with their emotionally advanced cat.

Instagram: @vileteapot
Website: vileteapot.com