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Fiction

Allegory of the Living Room

Joe S. Kimbrough II wonders if our condition is better than that of Plato’s prisoners.

In a dream I am transported to a cave. Thick iron chains restrain me to a wall, while clasps at my neck stop my head from turning. My eyes squint against the dim light, so I close them for a moment.

When I open them, a soft white glow surrounds me and the chains have vanished! I’m sitting so deeply in an overstuffed brown leather recliner that any thought of movement is dismissed. An array of speakers at the top of the chair blocks any view of what is behind me.

…