Left To Our Own Devices (Overstimulated)

We're all overstimulated
Our brains in cyberspace but with no particular destination
Floating, eyes flitting, thumbs flicking our social media feeds
We can't even watch TV without the second screen
I took my book everywhere when I was eight
Now I can't even wait at the grocery store
My hand reaches for my pocket
Looks like I have a minute
For an information drip

We can get notifications for anything

Severe weather alerts, our children's schools

But these tools get buried

Under a million others

The phone buzzes

Get 10% off your next order

Gzzzz

The latest celebrity death

Gzzzzz

What can the Vikings do at quarterback?

I can't say this without feeling old

I long for the days 

Where no one knew where I was

If I wasn't home

Where I didn't feel panic for not checking my phone

V2

Zombie time

The kids walk in the door

Or ring it a dozen times if it's locked

They throw their shoes in the closet

They might say hello

But then it's screen time

Screen time

If it's not TV, it's video games

Or a tablet

Mom stares at her phone and giggles at memes

Dad isn't sure what to do with himself

Three other people's faces lighting up

He can't give in and join

He feels resentment

Mom seems OK with them staring and nearly drooling

Sometimes doesn't seem to want to engage

He has to be the one to break the spell

Off the screens, off the screens

But Dad, when can we go back on?

If I had my way, I'd keep your devices

You'd have to go through me to get them back

Mom laughs at a video

His daughter asks his son what game she's playing

He doesn't hear with his headphones on

Dad wanders around looking for something to do