My Phone and the Real World
Photo by Amy LV
Students - This morning, on such a gorgeous snowy day, I woke up to write and to see what would show up on the page. When I approach the page, sometimes I know where I'll begin. Sometimes not. Today I found myself noticing my own mind and how distracted I can become sometimes, too often thinking that I need or want to check something on my phone. Even though I do this, I am not happiest with myself or my mind or spirit when I do so. So I started to write about it. Writing, I was reminded me of Mike Teavee from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and then line by line today's poem appeared.
Appearing poems don't usually look pretty. For me they're full of inky scribbles and cross outs, two things that feel much better for me on paper than at a screen. As do most things, to be honest.
Notebook in the Morning
Photo by Amy LV
Today you may consider taking a question or concern from your own life and writing from that. You might even fictionalize it as I did here, taking your original question or concern and then building a made-up story around it. Sometimes, fictionalized concerns will bring up new truths and ideas. Stoeytelling can also make writing less personal and even easier to explore. As a writer, this is your right. The pages are your freedom. They are also mine.
And remember - you can always end a poem with a question. You may also title your poem after you write it. This one took a bit. I kept reading and reading the poem, knowing that the title would show itself. It did. No One Knows is a line in the poem. And well, it also answers the final question.
Tabatha is hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup over at The Opposite of Indifference with some wise "random bits." Each Friday, all are invited to share poems, poem books, poetry ideas, and friendship in this open and welcoming poetry community.
Take good care of your mind. It is you, and what you shape now will be with you for your whole life.
xo,
Amy
Please share a comment below if you wish.
Know that your comment will only appear after I approve it.
If you are under 13 years old, please only comment
with a parent or as part of a group with your teacher.
Wow!!!! Your poem made me laugh but also, as a too-much-on-my-phone person, pinged my soul. Love your sharing of your writing process-so helpful! Thank you, Amy!
ReplyDeleteAmy, your scary and darkly funny poem is spot on. I like it as a mentor of what you tell people to do with their questions. "As a writer, this is your right. The pages are your freedom. They are also mine." It reminded me of a poem that Alan Wright shared this weekend, “Risky Words” https://alanjwrightpoetrypizzazz.blogspot.com/2026/01/setting-up-with-risky-words.html
ReplyDeleteHis lines: “I am living life twice / Scribing questionable versions of reclaimed truths” really spoke to me. It is our right as a writer. Thanks!
Hi Amy! Your poem reminds me of a podcast I was listening to recently. They were talking about dopamine and addiction (including social media addiction). So interesting and relevant for the younger generations, trying to maneuver in this dopamine-overloaded world. Here's the first part of the two-parter: https://www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/the-paradox-of-pleasure/ xo
ReplyDeleteTabatha! Was it about the book DOPAMINE NATION by Dr. Anna Lembke? If so, that's the podcast that made me buy the book. Just fascinating. xo
DeleteYes, that's it! xo
DeleteThank you for always speaking your truth, Amy, and for always teaching me something. I'm working on a poetry collection right now (possible vague editor interest!) and Forest Has a Song is by my side for inspiration. It's been my go-to collection for many things.
ReplyDeleteoof.
ReplyDeleteYour poem rings all too true, Amy. Shivers.
ReplyDeleteSo much is being discussed in the news about the effects of too much online, and your poem ending with that question nails it, Amy! "Will we learn?"
ReplyDeleteI immediately thought of Mike TeeVee. How perfect that the adults don't even notice the kids are gone because of their own addiction. So clever. Love your journal too. We need to allow ourselves the freedom to let the words flow without editing as we write.
ReplyDeleteWe've gone even further than Marshall "The medium is the message" McLuhan. We are the medium? The medium ate us because we let it? Oy. Your poem has made me think!
ReplyDeleteI'm reminded of the folktale where the axe convinces the tree that they are the same because the axe has a wooden handle. We depend on our phones, we have made them a necessity, and they are killing our brains. But we depend on our phones, so...where will it end? When will we learn?
ReplyDeleteWhat a dangerously dark and wonderful poem, great commentary, or unfortunate on our times. On a lighter note, your poem reminded me of the Kngston Trio's song M.T.A. https://youtu.be/S7Jw_v3F_Q0?si=Vc36g42B4XFwlT8l Thanks Amy!
ReplyDelete