David Crandall Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

3/16/2025 for 1984 - The Fall Of Big Brother Big Brother Poetry Contest

1972, 1984 and forever

in 1972, i read 1984
when you're fourteen, 12 years seems like the distant future
the government could watch your every move
horrifying
i guess, they can do that now, through our devices
what if that government is totalitarian

what if reality, as reported in the news,
was controlled by marketers, corporations, and politicians
manipulating you through your emotions
spoon feeding you based on your favorite click bait
horrifying
what if a leader with totalitarian designs
controlled the news

when i was a kid, i read other books
meant to instill values in young people
values such as
courage 
   to speak up
   stand up to threats and violence,
   willingness to risk your own job or safety for the greater good
education 
   not just having your head filled
   but thinking critically, evaluating your sources
   scientists versus politicians
   open, thoughtful, respectful debate
   being on the lookout for one's own confirmation bias
   in history, how do countries with totalitarian leaders fare
democracy and free press

i imagine that as long as there are people
there will be totalitarian leaders and totalitarian wannabes
and there will always be those same values
and battles that never end

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Hilda Greenhough March 16, 2025 at 11:55 PM This may all be true now. We are more stored by our devices, monitored by Medicare, and advertisers as well. Your poem is an eye-opener. I come from better times, too. Good luck with the contest. David Crandall March 17, 2025 at 8:13 AM Thanks Hilda! I think my computer knows me better than anyone - lol!