Typewriter Rodeo: What If Phones, But Too Much?

Each week, the Standard reaches out to Austin’s Typewriter Rodeo for a custom poem on Texas topics.

By David FruchterMarch 9, 2018 12:53 pm,

When’s the last time you were without your phone? It seems they’re always with us. In fact, maybe you’re reading Typewriter Rodeo on your phone…right now.

What If Phones, but Too Much?

i like to look at my phone

just look at it, you know?

it’s just so very…

smooth

its rounded corners

clean, reflective surface

buttons seemingly aching

for the press

of my fingertips

yes, that’s right

i like to touch it, too

and that’s even before

that black mirror

has come alive with light

and color

because after that point

forget it

i’m gone

completely lost to physical surroundings

my digits tracing

figure skating curlicues

across the glass

without my volition, really

five minutes later

i couldn’t describe the path

and i couldn’t tell you where i’ve been

who was there

what the air smelled like

the sound of the room

i purportedly was in

but i can tell you about a funny cat

on instagram, falling off a table

because it couldn’t see the edge

 

Produced by Laura Rice.