The author helps produce and facilitate all manner of conferences and events for business professionals, and occasionally ends them with an original poem. The following is an example.
Some say embrace the digital disruption
I fear it’s more like digital corruption
What’s happened to my span of attention?
Not to mention my powers of retention ?
Yes it may help us as we work
But why’s it so rare to just sit down and talk?
You remember, old school, face to face
The way it used to be for the human race
Look what digital’s done to the state of the nation
The U.K. now has a minister of social isolation.
Because amidst our technology fixation
Real human contact’s become an aberration.
Human plus smartphone is the new mutation
Turning it off a form of deprivation
So think about the smartphone in your hand
It only cost you about a grand
It’s so powerful, so seductive , so light
The screen it flickers – oh so bright
It’s how I keep all my memories, connect with friends.
I’m sure they’ll all love me to the end
Who are they all you ask, who?
To tell the truth I don’t have a clue
I collect friends like a philatelist stamps
Whoever has the most wins, they’re the champ
It connects you to a world of news
But it can also lead you to the blues
Unlimited Data you’ll gain but your soul you’ll lose
You can turn it off you know, if you choose.
So wonder – amongst all this networked wealth
What’s the toll on your mental health?
Try putting the phone to one side
Take a deep breath. Go play outside.
Working all hours hell for leather
Ask yourself is this a high speed connection or is it a tether?
We live in a world of infinite connection
Why then do I feel such a lack of direction
Like I’m naked with no protection
Alone craving contact, some genuine affection?
When did I last give or get undivided attention?
So please I beg you, step away from that screen
And reflect on the lesson of Banksy’s little scene.
If you ever find yourself in a situation like this
Forget the email the text, the tweet, the pin, the post you just can’t miss
And focus instead on the one you are about to kiss
