They watch you during the day,
They watch you at night,
And even on the weekends.
Yesterday, the day before,
As well as today and tomorrow.
Oh, don't be afraid,
They merely contemplate
And wish you no harm.
Whether you go on a hike, on strike,
At work, from work... literally
Wherever that is you go,
They'll be watching you.
Apathetic guardian angels
With wings, without them,
With optical zoom and infrared sensors.
Feel safe! Enjoy your evening cup of coffee
Or a morning pint of beer.
They scrutinize your every movement
And judge, and scorn, and laugh
At your misfortunes.
But they might as well admire
Your small victories and even respect you.
Or do they?
Be vigilant—or, on the contrary,
Don't.
They'll take care of everything.
Cheers!
About the Creator
Andrei Z.
Overthinker.
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Hiraeth
I don't often write about my mental health stuff even though I am comfortable and confident (now!) to talk about it. I have no qualms in sharing my bi-polar diagnosis, but this is due to me feeling safe in doing so. This poem Hiraeth was written for my MA in Creative Writing that I am still shocked that I even started let alone completed and passed! I went on to write a few more personal pieces that I will share on Vocal, but this is probably my favourite. 'Hiraeth' is currently being developed as song lyrics by a group in America, should get an update by the end of July. Exciting!
By Alyson Smith 6 days ago in Poets
The Road to Nowhere
Trigger warnings: Violence, Death. "May the Sun burn your tongue out, woman," Fredrick's father screamed the curse into his mother's ear as their elegant little carriage rumbled along, its polished wood and gilded trim glinting in the torchlight. They had just left the small village of Saffron and were on an unnamed road to the capital for the Royal wedding. Fredrick leaned back in his plush velvet seat to escape into the passing landscape, but across from him sat the servant boy, a scrappy lad named Jack. Jack's eyes held a mixture of awe and fear, the kind that only a commoner could feel in the presence of nobility. Jack looked up and caught Fredrick's gaze, offering him a sad little smile before reaching into his pocket and retrieving a little caramel treat. This candy was no doubt stolen from the kitchen treat cupboard; if he was caught with it, he would be locked in the box as punishment.
By Frank English5 days ago in Fiction
Comments (9)
I used to be scared of pigeons, how they are always together in swarms and have no fear of people. Especially after seeing Hitchcock’s birds in 3D. And the conspiracy theory that some birds are fake, nothing more than government surveillance? It wouldn’t even surprise me.
Well written. Intriguing style, will have to explore more of your work when I get home. Beware the pigeons!
Andrei, I always enjoy you sense of humour and view of the world! This was fun and such a great read! I love the theme of "do what makes you happy" that comes through in this poem. "Have your evening coffee or morning pint if beer", they will judge you no matter what so at do something for yourself and don't let the robot pigeons dictate your life! 😝
Okay did this comment pend long enough? Wait, don't answer...I guess we'll never know. 🙃 "Feel safe! Enjoy your evening cup of coffee Or a morning pint of beer They scrutinize your every movement And judge, and scorn, and laugh At your misfortunes." I don't know why this is my favorite part, but it must have something to do with the "blink and you miss it" subversion of expectations. Evening cup of coffee...I think I missed that the first time round and I love that I caught it this time in order to praise you for it. I think I'm properly paranoid after reading this, Andrei. I'm already skeptical of so many things, so I guess it's not a far leap...but yeah, you encapsulate the grandness of the surveillance state that I now feel quite differently paranoid. And sure sure, the birds are the subject...(topically...). "But they might as well admire Your small victories and even respect you. Or do they?" This is what I could laugh at. But it feels so true that I'm almost terrified by the irony. Great piece, as always! You got me thinking with this one.
As per usual I have no idea what is going in here but that is okay; I think I was born confused! I was having such a nice, happy time reading your thoughtful poem about paranoia, but then a pigeon appeared with a camera in its eye and a battery pack and sent me off the deep end! Many thanks! 🙏 😉
Hahahahahahahahaha I loved this! I've heard so many theories about this!
Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean you're wrong. 🙄
Lol, Now I’m paranoid.
🖤