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Monday, November 17, 2025

ELEGY FOR A CLOSE ATTACHMENT

by Zumwalt




OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT can now follow user instructions to avoid using em-dashes. However, some users reported that the issue persisted by showing their chats with the AI chatbot. —Mint, November 14, 2025


I once loved this world—my world—which 
danced with em dashes—
the best kind—
at end of lines—
seemed so clean—
went directly to the heart
—or at start of lines
or—in-between.

Now, it is the mark of the beast,
and I accept Sam’s notice to
cease and desist:
doing my best to implement on request
the effective incorporation of proper punctuation.


Zumwalt's poetry explores themes of alienation, shifting reality, and personal adaptation.