“Technical Tirade” by Maggie Brewer

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At the doctor for an earache,
I was berated in an elevator
for using my cell phone.
Not to make a call,
or play a game,
or send a text,
simply to look at an e-mail
about a job opening
in a school where I live.

You’re just like my
Granddaughter,
the old woman harped,
Look around these days,
everyone with their heads down,
no one making eye contact.
I slipped my device into my pocket,
nodding, thinking if I simply agreed
it would shut her up.

I slapped it out of her hand,
she ranted,
her children were crying,
‘mom, mom, mom,’
so I slapped it out of her hand,
told her,
‘next time,
I’ll slap your face.’

By this time the ride
had ended,
we’d crossed the lobby,
into the parking lot,
but still she blustered.
I smiled and nodded,
got into my car.
I wasn’t ignoring my children, I thought,
I was ignoring you.

-Maggie Brewer

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