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Poetry: "Foment"

foment

Locked out again; the computer stalls in its processing;
can the system ever be smooth, stay deeply in its groove
for very long at a time?

Too much like writing & musing;
it takes the energy of several swift kicks
spiritually, & then it all dies at once

like the last boost from caffeinated soda
slumping now out of energy
collapsing already into lethargy & nap.

& here I go, treating technology as a human
in need of love & care
& not cold metal, unfeeling machine,

ostensibly generous invader in home & hearth;
allowing access to the outside world
(& allowing them in); but at what cost?

is routine maintenance all it asks?
is routine maintenance all I need?
who is man who is machine who is link

in the chain that is today America
that is the world?
wires crisscrossing intercontinentally

former students teaching in China
friends on boats to Europe, & me
stuck here without a megabyte to spare.

mark fulk



How to get your poetry in Artvoice!

In the Margins occasional features poetry by local writers. The poetry editor is Florine Melynk. Submission of no more than five poems and no more than 10 pages in length can be sent by e-mail to florine@starcherone.com or by mail to Florine Melnyk, Poetry Editor, Artvoice, 810 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope to have manuscripts returned.

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