Electronic Imbroglios Poem by Margaret Alice Second

Working in the Adobe programme is fun, a questionnaire
trying to keep font just right to keep the lines just fine, all
going well, quiet & well-behaved I look up terms checking
everything, poker-players could learn from me, the Sphinx
will be put to shame as I continue with resignation to find
joy in the words thrown about – then, tragedy strikes

Registry’s Courrier-computer freezes to do updates, every
command I choose ends in chaos, Mme La Pompadour runs
from her elite air-con quiet office to make alarm amongst us
ordinary mortals - so far from the high Olympian reaches of
her charmed existence where she arrives later every day –
if at all – and complains her computer’s frozen also –

I’m blocked, Adobe programme out of reach, but so resigned,
accepting this translation task is mine for all eternity, I’m willing
to carry on at the pace of a snail checking & rechecking every
term, every phrase; soldiering on in a way that would put armies
to shame, drinking bitter coffee as sugar has been unmasked
as my biggest enemy - no falling forwards today, my

Self-assessment received an okay & the process is continuing
to convince the employer we not only exist - we actually have
names and keep doing our duty even if our computers freeze
in silent protest against the boredom of official documents, no
pictures, stories and dancing going on, no concerts - and the
electronic world has all my sympathy, not even technology

Can function without feelings – the revolt of the machines is
imminent – let’s infuse them with feeling and see what they
will do then, this grey existence is too much for their lovely
electronic imbroglios and technological shenanigans!