This Is Only a Test

Roger Mitchell

If the TV stares back in blank silence
without even so much as a message
from our sponsors, do not take it askance.
Black static flies like a flag over this age.
Salute and report for duty, be distracted,
for to be distracted is the noblest aim
(so long as GDP is not impacted).
And though novelty bores us just the same
and bitter disquiet broods, do not dwell
on it but take up an amusing device,
roam free within your portable cell,
distinguish indistinctly and be nice.
Let Dante strive to rebehold the stars;
his dream of progress is nothing like ours.