Beep
Beep, at the tills in stores, as items pass scanners
Beep, on phones as card payment confirmations are received
We don’t mind, we wanted these items, so we’ll pay for it
We don’t mind, we want to see the confirmation, we want to know how much is left
Beep, goes the warning, followed by the yellow light on the dash– time to refuel
Beep, it’s the card payment confirmation– fuel’s paid for, let’s go
We don’t mind, rather a warning than being stuck without fuel
We don’t mind, there’s a destination to reach, so let’s pay for the fuel
Beep, less welcome this time, it’s accompanied by a purple light
Beep again. Really? It beeped less than five minutes ago– purple light again
Beep, beep, that means “low balance” and a few beeps (vulgar) are going through our minds
Is this “a better life for all”? We pay by beep for roads we’ve already paid for?
Beep, goes electrical appliances as electricity is restored– power cuts are the order of the day
Beeps (vulgar) uttered everywhere– “we’re paying more for beeping electricity and get less of it”
Beep, we don’t actually hear it this time, but it feels like one, when the power goes off– again
Long Beep, as our optimism flat lines– no one can see the light (pun intended)
Beep, humour kicks in, we laugh at the many ridiculous situations we find ourselves in
Beep, it dawns on us: We’re in these situations, but who caused these situations?
Beep, it’s got us– the beep... it controls us (whether we like it or not)
Beep, for civilisation and technological advances. More good or harm?
Beep!
this poem deals with some of the frustrations in South Africa, particularly in Gauteng. it looks at etolls and power cuts and just how our lives are now controlled by beeps...
