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| Tea bowl |
I’m glad news media is not implanted yet
It's still relatively out there, in air we breathe,
but not implanted in our brains or arms or rose-
colored glasses. We
still determine what we think
and where we fill the cups of curiosity
we carry. We’re not
robots yet. We’re free, and have
real push-button authority to open up
rambling gossip-style commentary on what
has not happened. I’m
glad it’s not implanted yet.
I can write this while listening to You Tube vids
of speakers at the 2017 White House
Correspondents Dinner.
POTUS is not present,
but he is roasted anyway by a brave man—
Hasan Minhaj—a first generation brown-skinned
Indian-American Muslim who reminds us
free speech is the
foundation of democracy.
Journalists must ruffle feathers. And then
a master feather ruffler, Carl Bernstein—
He speaks of 42 years
earlier when he was one
of two journalists who researched and exposed
the scandal known as Watergate—not alternate
facts but the best news possible. Serious news.
Not-for-profit news. Risky
news. Unsanctioned news.
I’m glad news media is not implanted yet,
not mere entertainment the same everywhere.
Wells where we quench our thirst are not polluted yet,
but we each must remember to bring our own cup.
My blog poems are rough drafts.
Please respect my copyright.
© 2017 Susan L. Chast
Serious journalism isn't, a sport. for the weak at heart, as your poem, Susan, so elegantly puts it. But, an adventurous commitment to the truth, in whatever form, it may take, when we keep an open mind.
ReplyDeleteAbsolute freedom of expression is a right not enjoyed in all parts of the world. So the joy of comic expression aside, weeding through the high decibel noise around us to find what is relevant has now become the burden of the common man.
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredibly powerful, Susan. Especially this; "I’m glad news media is not implanted yet, not mere entertainment the same everywhere. Wells where we quench our thirst are not polluted yet, but we each must remember to bring our own cup" is a poem all on its own! Beautifully executed.
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
Luv the punch in your end line Susan
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Yes, I'm bombarded by enough news daily not to want more released into my system through some implanted device!
ReplyDeleteIndeed we must remember to "bring our own cup". The blatant falsehoods that run rampant in social media are alarming, to say the least.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when News contained some trust. My biggest concern has been, and still is: What does the News say about us.
ReplyDelete"We each must remember to bring our own cup." That is so right on, Susan. Unfortunately, I think corporate media does filter a lot of the news we get, suppresses what would adversely affect economics in certain areas.........but I applaud the true journalists who do the best they can, within corporate restraints, to bring us the best of what they can. I am very thankful for those brave enough to speak out, like the young man you mention here. I listen to some of the people toadying to him, as if they are afraid of him, and go overboard with the praise in order to curry favour. Good for their survival, but not good for the truth.
ReplyDeleteSadly there are already signs that not all the news is available as pressure is put on the media especially TV and Radio to not offend (politicians in particular) and sadly the printed media is wary of losing advertising if they are too honest. Luckily there is media and journalists that do shine and we have to be thankful for them. It is no wonder that in countries with strict regimes much of the populace eventually believe the party line.
ReplyDeleteI loved the opening lines, something to be happy about...ah and let us be free to bring our own cups, at least that freedom must remain....!
ReplyDelete" We’re not robots yet." Well said, Susan!
ReplyDeleteThankfully, " We’re not robots yet"....Oh yes! The deliberate making up of news stories to fool or entertain people is nothing new. It is time now that we start asserting that we too represent in society. Freedom of expression must remain.... :)
ReplyDeleteA powerful poetry, Susan.
What a startling and chilling notion – the implanting. Altogether a wonderful, deeply serious poem of the kind you do so well. Brilliant closing lines!
ReplyDeleteAnd then, OMG, I listened to Minhaj. Even without living there, hence missing a few references, I thought he was fantastic, and so spot on.
Thank you!
It seems you have said it all....nothing left to say. I liked it.
ReplyDelete