Thursday, February 28, 2013

Photo by Gil Feliciano
Photo by Gil Feliciano


ODE TO A FAMILY TELEVISION
[Observations of an 8 year old]

There once was a family TV.
It made everyone tense as could be.
“What is that all about?”
The mommy would shout.
“Why don’t you all listen to me?!”
“For a while it keeps you all quiet,
When I turn it off, there is a riot.
I’m tired of the strife.
We need a new life.
We should go on a media diet!”

Everyone cried and complained.
Each time it was always the same.
“But it’s our drug of choice!”
They all said with one voice.
“Our friends’ parents don’t act so lame!”

“The TV has just got to go.
You can’t even watch one more show.
The more televisions,
The worse the decisions.
That’s what the experts all know!”

So the monster was turned off that day.
At first no one knew what to say.
They recalled how to walk,
But not how to talk.
That skill had just gone way.

It’s amazing to see them all now.
Games, cards, and books became how
They all reconnected.
Who would have expected
Friendships and grades would be “WOW!”

Communication’s the key.
They stopped thinking just about “me.”
They shared with each other:
Father, sister, and brother…
Mom was the happiest you see.

With the blue-ray and high def unplugged,
She found they’d all come off the drug
That had held them in bondage
And made them like zombies
And now they had more time for hugs!

They now live happ’ly ever after
With plenty of thinking and laughter.
A chance now for loving
(No more pushing and shoving).
“Be nice!” no one tells them they have to :)
Madison Mogg and Christie Clarke
Summer 2012