Are we getting smaller with technology and globalization?

Question

If I Was Born A Hundred Years Earlier

I’d have said things like, “No, I don’t have gas lighting,

What’s wrong with candles?”

And, “They only give the impression of painting.”

Then later on in life

I’d have said things like, “I have gas lighting,

Who needs electricity?”

And, “They got that from the impressionist.”

Then as I got older

I’d have said things like, “OK, electricity,

What’s a telephone?”

And “What the heck’s that, it’s abstract.”

Then towards the end

I’d have said things like, “Tele-

What – vision?”

And, “What the . . . a Pollock?”

Then afterwards (to God)

I’d say things like, “Fire!

They needed that.”

And,”Now that’s

What I call

'Artistic'”

Answer 1

A very thought provoking poem...I would like to have seen so many things in the past, but at the risk of sounding elitist or effete, I really want to be where there is indoor plumbing...

Answer 2

The great conundrum of the day, beautifully expressed. Lovely.

Answer 3

I enjoy poems that "think" like this. Instead of taking me on a word ride, or a rollercoaster (which just stops where it started) this makes me...consider. By the third line I was dawdling, distracted by a thought about the meaning of that word "impressionist." but, it came back and I got to see if I was right.

Well done, and as the Aussie in my office says "Good on ya!"

Answer 4

Great thinking and I admire this poem! well done...really done. I sometimes think how fortunate I would have been if I were born some 400 years ago. Sitting on the pit, I could have watched Shakespeare acting the role of Hamlet's father on stage and Richard Burbage acting out the young prince. Sometimes wish if I were born in 1800's so that I could have met S T Coleridge and possibly could have had a discussion on imagination and fancy. Sometimes I wish if I were atleast born some 50 years ago. I could have met Robert Frost.

Answer 5

If you need a walker, I have one laying around! lol  Well said and thought provoking.  Your "fire" reference seemed to tie a lot of lose ends.  My compliments.