I woke up and I was in the future.

About two years ago, the internet stopped working in our house. It didn't bother me at the time but it was such an ordeal for my teenagers! They rolled their eyes at my technologically backward childhood  of which I am so proud and always ranting on about. That is how this poem came to be written.

Jack was feeling all forlorn
Internet failure came that morn
Though Mum had tried with all her might
She couldn't seem to make it right
The provider mummy called
Still no joy she’s put on hold
Jack hunched his shoulders, scuffs his feet.
Why does it have to be so bleak
Mummy laughs not getting why
Jack mourned the loss of the WiFi
“In my day Jack ‘twas black and white
Three channels until six at night
Then time for bed said Zebidee”
“Who,” said Jack, “ that’s well early”
“Yes” said mum “ but don’t despair
A Techie’s coming to repair
Not ‘ til Friday mind ‘ til then
Go outdoors, build a den”
“Build a den what? Play outside?
You must be crazy mum” Jack cried
“Danger lurks on every street
You never know who you could meet”
“In my day Jack we weren't indoors
Least not ‘ til dinner time of course
We had imagination Jack
Something that you children lack”.
“The olden days have been and gone
Of that I’m glad, here I belong
The internet is here to stay
Why we can stay inside and play”
Mum was sad but did agree
She couldn't get online to see
Her bank account which bills were due
She missed the net a little too
Now Jack was bored at such a loss
And mummy made him feel quite cross
How could a life offline be grand
Jack really didn't understand
In his room a messy scene
Jack wondered, could he make it clean
He started sorting through his shelves
So that’s how mums amused themselves
Before long the mess was clear
And nothing more to do ‘ round here
So Jack messaged friends by text
To figure out what to do next
All were busy at a screen
One way or other they weren't keen
To venture out into the cold
How absurd to be so bold
So Jack found old DVDs
He watched a few but still was peeved.
Curiosity stirred inside
He sensed adventure lay outside.

However, two days ago, exactly the same thing happened again. This time I sympathised with their loss. It was as if I suddenly woke up in the future. Within two short years I have become reliant on the cyber world. It has it's uses and had made life a lot easier in many ways. Browsing the internet is helpful for research, ideas and kids homework.

Technology, although it’s man’s creation, has a will of its own as it continually evolves through our desire to constantly improve and update it. Its prime directive is to make certain that we cannot live without it. Laziness is our motivation. We seek ways to get the job done with  little effort  on our part. For example,we no longer need to read maps before a road trip. What we forget, is that the new generation will lose that skill and it'll be gone forever. While it may also be very impressive to see toddlers swiping away on mobile gadgets competently,we are not concerned that basic instincts are being taken over and will too be gone forever. The art of conversation being one just of them. We may lose the ability to manipulate objects, because we no longer have to turn pages or hold pencils.

 During lunch breaks at work, everyone brings their phone along for company.  It’s no longer to view text messages and calls but to consult oracles such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you don't access these things, you will be out of the loop,  wondering what conspiracy is going on behind your back.

You may try and hang on to an old  mobile that's just for texts and calls. Without so much as a camera on it. Sooner or later it will become obsolete, incompatible and unusable. Let’s face it, online banking is the quickest way to move money I'm guessing it may become the only way one day which will leave some of us oldies mortified. What if we miss a decimal point, or forget our password. I don’t even like having to scan my own groceries at the self service checkout. Isn't that what shop assistants are for?

 At least in my old age, I probably will never have to leave my house as long as I have a charger and power. Food, entertainment, groceries and news are on tap via  a screen.

We can operate systems, down load apps, get easy access to sites.  But whose behind it all. What's going to happen if the cloud breaks. Whose managing the whole thing.  The cyber world is drawing us in like a magnet. How long before it becomes self aware if it hasn't already. It’s already got a hold on most of us in the western world. Science fiction is becoming science fact. Isn't anyone else worried!