Unknown

In this era of intense surveillance, I suppose
I should be thankful I'm forgettable. It's been
A long time since I tried to draw attention
To myself. I don't say much, don't share
My feelings, rarely take my phone with me,
And almost never turn it on. The people
Who I know at work, I think, think I am
Blandly pleasant, but they couldn't tell you
If my politics are right or left, or if I go
To church or not, or if I share the almost
Universal racial bigotry of white folks
In this dreadful country, and, apart from
Them, I have only acquaintances. I have
No friends. Despite the ever-more
Intrusive efforts by the self-appointed
Guardians of "national security," and creepy
Miners of my tastes in sex, and motor
Vehicles, I'm mostly just a blank. Programs
Always skip over me, as I have hoped
They would. I've tried to guard my
Anonymity, and it appears that I've
Succeeded. When I'm out of sight, nobody
Can remember me. I'm just a silhouette,
A cigarette, a half-drunk drink out on
The patio, unknown, forgettable.




Poetry by Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 71 times
Written on 2019-12-08 at 02:47

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