Disadvantages To Lightning Speed

Back then we struggled greatly.
To attain simple knowledge
you had to be steadfast and stately.
Now that communication's
so convenient, somehow no one
bothers making plain conversations.

And so it begs the question,
have we gained speed or lost touch?
A thousand words said, in
reality, doesn't mean much,
if they're spoken merely to
fill the wretched dead spaces
of life. Online I see a
book of photographed faces,
not the smell of their hair, nor
the sparkle of their eyes when
in the right light. Nothing like
that happens when I click Send!

So yes, there's disadvantages
to lightning speed.
Individual voices seem lost
within the information
super fog. No matter how much
we read, if the ideas aren't there,
then they might as well not be floating
amidst the open air!

There's give and take
to lightning bolt technology.
So quick to say
what we do not mean.
Words upon words
bordering on obscene!
Mere droplets tossed in the sea.
And we almost never
mean what we write, but write it anyway,
if that's what it takes
to feel together.

And my friends don't take me wrong,
it is, of itself, a noble endeavor.
Just as long as you remember
the simplest of things:
don't mistake sameness for unity.
For if so your house of straw
will blow away undoubtedly.
With this in mind you'll no longer
be just a face in the crowd,
but instead the individual
whose voice is creating sound.
So be yourself and no one else!
And know that loving thy neighbor
and thy creator
truly is your greatest wealth.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Buil Avatar
November 2, 2014 at 6:33 PM
.....*just sits here in perpetual stunned mode and begins to clap* WELL SAID!!! It is so true. So many things can be misinterpreted through text. Some people just text to avoid saying it in person because they can hide through the screen and if needs be, disappear and not face the consequences. The internet is a facade. And it gives people power. I love how that shines throug. LOVE IT. One of my favorites!
Buil Avatar
November 8, 2014 at 8:47 PM
LOL! I know, right?? Irony. It really has become an addiction. Technology has really taken over.
Hicks Avatar
November 3, 2014 at 3:05 PM
... and alas! We are on the internet, currently! Lol. I'm humbled and happy you that enjoyed this one so much. I feel that 'disconnect' often on social media sites... it's become an addiction - sad, but true.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 19, 2014 at 7:52 AM
I'm still waiting for my friend request *lol* I don't spend much time on Facebook but it is good to catch up with others that way from time to time.
Hicks Avatar
October 20, 2014 at 3:56 AM
Soup Mail!
Lamoureux Avatar
October 17, 2014 at 7:59 AM
I too am pleased to sip from your poetic spring. I enjoyed this piece, with technology we can present the best version of ourselves. It can also be a double edged sword because if we write something it one day can come back and bite us on the butt! It also can cause people to lose their inhibitions. This Internet is a powerful tool and can be both amazing and destructive.
Hicks Avatar
October 18, 2014 at 11:30 PM
It's one of those things that can be used or abused. I still use Facebook, but every once in a while I do feel that disconnect from some of my friends. Sometimes you gotta unplug the computer and plug yourself into Life :)
Manassian Avatar
October 14, 2014 at 8:26 AM
SO go to read you again, my dear. So much wealth and wisdom in this write. SO true...the part about not feeling and touching or smelling the scent of someone's hair got to me. Pure magic. Welcome back!
Hicks Avatar
October 14, 2014 at 3:31 PM
Thanks as ever Eileen. I use Facebook like most everyone else... but there's definitely that "disconnected" feeling you get from overusing it...
Vaso Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 9:24 PM
This is fantastic Timothy! Full of wisdom, but I really liked the line "don't mistake sameness for unity." This is so good you must have posted it via dial up!!! LOL
Hicks Avatar
October 14, 2014 at 8:25 AM
LOL! Clever, clever.... thanks for reading Arthur :)
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