The future so bright it fits on a screen

It is incredibly difficult to set a phone down and be present. I'm finding I write less, look at less, and have a sense of disconnect reaching deep inside. I see the glow on faces on public transportation, and those walking out in front of busses at random, with the invariable shrinking in embarrassment when they narrowly escape a Darwin award. We crave the connection, the apps, and the games. It becomes a second life and a drain on the physical and emotional well being of the user; while a smiling selfy tries to mask the emptiness.

We have a need for validation. Did we get enough likes? Did anyone read it? Is it possible to write anything interesting enough to warrant a reaction? I stopped writing and posting poetry for the last few years after having far too many "I liked it" reactions. It seemed a symptom of a larger problem. I don't seek validation, I seek conversation. I took joy in not just responding to others, but very often contributing my interpretation to their writing; extending their ideas like a fractal.

The problem with the screen, it is so sleek that you can hardly handle it; you can't look away. Trying to add anything meaningful now acknowledges the hold. I squint at the reality and seem to forget my history. The future so bright it overwhelms who you used to be. Put the phone down, be present.