Our prompt for the day (optional, as always), asks you to move backwards in time away from such modern contrivances as podcasts. Today, I challenge you to write a poem that features forgotten technology. Maybe it’s a VCR, or a rotary phone. A cassette player or even a radio. If you’re looking for a potential example, check out this poem by Adam Clay, which takes its central metaphor from something that used to stoke fear in the hearts of kids typing term papers, or just trying to play a game of Oregon Trail.
Bic Conspiracy
17 April 20 2233
Have you looked at your car
I mean really looked at it
The ac adapter used to be a cigarette lighter
The change box was an ashtray
Back in the days when you smoked
You never needed a disposable lighter
You always had fire within reach
You never flicked butts out the window
You emptied the tray once a week
There was usually an ashtray for the back seats as well
Now, most people never wonder why the cars are set up this way
Most people dont smoke
But when they need to light a candle or fireworks
The smokers pull out their calling cards
But why, well Bic wanted to make more
So they cut a deal with the government and the car makers
And now we have cheap ass lighters all around
Butts being tossed on the ground
The shareholders love their returns
Uncle Sam likes the bribes and the tax returns
Before you hook up your phone to be charged
Or ask for Freebird from your favorite band
Realize it’s all been a plan
Now dont you wonder what else has been changed from under your nose
Like a moon landing
Or one shooter in Dallas