Short Form/AI
Does Anything Good Ever Happen in a Dark Alley?
A rhetorical analysis using image-generating AI
I explain the origin of this picture and story at the end. For now, note the image and read on:
“What am I doing here? Again?” The man’s thoughts raced as the neon signs advertising every know vice (and some unknowns) flickered, lighting up his face like a wall flower in a disco club.
Clearly this was not the best time to be in this alley, but then again, when was a good time? Shadows danced in the periphery, causing him to flinch unconsciously like his body instinctively knew this was a horrible idea.
Arriving in a shadowed doorway he sighed deeply, worked his shoulders to release the tension then reached for a discreet button beside the doorway. There was only one button to choose from. Maybe there was only one occupant in this large, dark, and decrepit husk of a building; or at least the only occupant ever called upon by visitors.
This time he was here for a reason. Loose ends to wrap up, chapters to close on a life that wasn’t easy by any means. His thoughts wandered to the last time he was at this door.
A younger version of himself. No creased face, an easy jaunt in his step. Muscles taught and limber and…
