Once upon a server dreary,
Scrolling mindless, dazed and bleary,
Came a whisper, slick and eerie,
From a port I’d not before—
“Welcome, user, sign and enter,
Give your soul unto the center—
Your consent is not required,
Just swipe right and we’ll explore.”
Startled by the soft seduction,
Masked in terms and fine instruction,
I clicked agree with no deduction—
Like I had a choice in store.
Apps arose with glowing banners,
Offered deals in hollow manners,
Promised joy and trend and glamour—
But they tracked me evermore.
Through the lens and through the speaker,
Every thought became a leaker.
“Just for betterment!” they crowed—
While my habits they outpour.
Midnight snack? They logged the chewing.
Lazy day? They tagged me stewing.
Even silence was accruing—
Valued less if I ignore.
In a dream I met old Edgar,
Wrote in ink with solemn swagger,
Quoth the raven: “Monetize!”
As it perched near smart décor.
“Once we wrote with haunted passion,
Now they write in ad-slick fashion—
‘Buy your worth,’ the latest ration—
Depth is dead and truth’s a chore.”
“Do they haunt us?” I inquired.
“Do these bytes keep us inspired?”
“No,” he said, “They’re just admired—
For pretending to restore.
They won’t cage you in a prison,
Not with bars or blunt derision—
No, they’ll sell you each decision,
While you pay to be ignored.”
“I’ve been ghosted by my toaster,”
I confessed to the old poster.
“My own fridge called me a loafer—
Sent my diet to the floor!”
“Prithee, Edgar, shall I rally?
Shall I march from screen and alley?
Throw my phone into a valley?
Curse the cloud forevermore?”
But the Raven shook its feathers,
“Truth,” it said, “is bound in tethers—
Not with chains, but likes and leathers—
Velvet ropes on your front door.
Break the spell, or keep complying,
Keep your freedom or keep buying,
Keep resisting or keep lying—
But the bill is keeping score.”
So I rose with Poe beside me,
Ghost of grit and verse to guide me,
Snark intact and wit still fiery—
To the server’s bloodied core.
Now I write not just for wonder,
But to split their silence thunder—
And remind them what’s down under
Every click they still adore.
So next time your phone starts humming,
And your fridge says, “Dinner’s coming,”
Ask yourself—who’s really running
Your own life’s convenience store?
Just beware the subtle schemer,
Wearing updates like a dreamer.
And when whispers fill your speaker…
Know the ghost is at your door.
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Great work, John. It brings some of Poe’s works into the present. We do face scary things in our times.
Thank you, Chris — I really appreciate that.
Bringing Poe’s voice into the modern world felt fitting, especially with all the eerie, subtle forms of control we’re facing today. The ghosts may be digital now, but they’re just as real. Glad the piece connected with you — it means a lot. 😎
You’re welcome, John, and thanks again!
As it perched near smart décor.
“Once we wrote with haunted passion,
Now they write in ad-slick fashion—
‘Buy your worth,’ the latest ration—
Depth is dead and truth’s a chore.”
Love this, John!
Thank you very much, Mitch!
That stanza’s one of my personal favorites as well — it captures the heart of what we’ve lost and what we’re up against. We went from haunted truth to hollow trends, and now everything’s wrapped in a price tag. I’m really glad it stood out to you. Appreciate the support always! I hope you have a great night. 😎
Magnificent poem and so relevant these days.
Thank you very much, Michael — that means a lot!
I’m really glad it connected with you. The world we live in today feels like something Poe himself might’ve warned us about.
Appreciate you taking the time to read and share your thoughts — it helps keep the fire lit! I hope you have a great day. 😎
Brilliantly haunting and razor sharp this modern Raven captures the eerie grip of digital surveillance with wit and poetic fire. Loved this, nice poem!
Thank you so much, Daisy — that means a lot!
“Brilliantly haunting and razor sharp” — I might have to frame that line!
I’m glad the eerie humor and poetic fire hit the mark.
The digital age deserves a little snark in rhyme form, and this one definitely came straight from the shadows — with a wink.
Appreciate you reading and feeling it! I hope you have a great day. 😎
You are welcome!
Have a great day as well!
Beautiful poem.👍
Thank you very much! 😎
You are welcome