The Oxymoron of Social Networking: A Poem

Patricia is a retired English teacher who has been writing poetry on many topics in various formats since she was eight years old.

Who's Talking Now?

Remember?

There once was a time

When communication

Was conversation...

When people looked at each other

When they spoke...

No joke!

Where phones

Were small appliances

Used to forge

Alliances

And keep in touch...

Not much like the phones of today,

Attached

You could say

Like another body part...

A replacement

Perhaps

For the heart.

There was a time

When it was not

A crime

To enjoy reading a book,

Learning to cook,

Planning ahead...

To mean

What you said.

A time when you

Actually did

Speak

Rather than

Seek solace

In a text.

A time

When technology

Was not

Prime...

When writing a letter

Was better

Than posting on Facebook

Where everyone shares

And no one

Really

Cares.

Humanity?

Insanity.

Comments

Patricia T Lowe on October 23, 2019:

Thanks so much, Paula and Liz!

Suzie from Carson City on October 22, 2019:

Patricia.....I LOVE your poem!! It speaks to me and validates for me, once again, why I do not have a Facebook account & never will! I want to SEE the people I love. To share with them, face to face. When I say, "Hello," it automatically includes a HUG. I will CALL them or drop them a note but "visit" whenever possible.

Most importantly, my life is NOT an open book, Thank you very much! I am not a famous celebrity, whose every move needs to be publicized..(what a wretched thought!) When I have something I wish to say or a special message to share....it's for someone special...NOT the world wide web!! If you'd like to talk with me, laugh with me or simply see how I'm doing.....Gosh, I'm sorry, but you'll not find me or my life's activities, printed on a screen...........Amen.

Wonderful Poem! Thank you! Peace, Paula

Liz Westwood from UK on October 22, 2019:

I really liked this poem. You have captured the obsession of the current age with digital technology extremely well. The nostalgia resonated with me.

Patricia T Lowe on October 22, 2019:

Thanks, John. I guess it’s obvious that I missed that time, too.

John Hansen from Gondwana Land on October 22, 2019:

You said it all in this well-written poem. I miss that time.