Virtual Living is an unpublished collection vitally concerned with the growing frequency of substituting electronic interaction for physical activity.
Cyber warriors
defend the nation
from sneak attack
seated comfortably
at computer screens,
never face an enemy,
never draw blood,
will never know
traditional battlefields,
yet are as vital
as combat troops,
though not regarded
as heroic soldiers.
Gamers
urgent to compete,
inadequate
to challenges
of the real world,
strive to win
artificial acclaim
on safe screens.
Birds don't live vicariously,
busy all day gathering food,
never hang out
playing video games,
waste time twittering,
except bird talk,
sit up all night
in front of a screen
chatting on the internet
but go to sleep
as soon as it's dark
in the comforting nest
for needed rest.
We used to go to the bank
to deposit money,
greeted by tellers
courteous, pleasant,
who made it easier
to accept low interest
on hard-earned wages.
Now we bank online
and there's no consolation
for meager returns,
automated service.
The Information Age
allows us to march
to the beat of a different drum,
as long as we purchase
the same goods and services
as everyone else.