after years with an iphone I got an android
I knew there would be challenges but now
I can’t even like a text message–
a nuance of correspondence gone

however
I am learning a new language
– you realize that’s what operating systems are, right?
they’re the way the brain of the device communicates
so
I’m learning a new language
and I am learning how to translate the actions of my fingers
and consequently my thoughts
so I can continue to communicate with the outside world

the metamorphosis is ongoing
we will not know it is complete until suddenly
one day I will be able to email a photo as an afterthought
without breaking the flow of an ongoing text chain
while checking tomorrow’s late afternoon weather
and dismissing my facebook notifications

is it ironic that my library is in a cellular dead zone?
miles and miles of books and no one to call
which reminds me of the Strand bookstore
with over 2 and a half million now
so many words            so many worlds
heavier than a hunk of metal in your pocket
but when you pick up a book you don’t forget why you did it

attention seeking clicky clicky
click me! pick me! click
your brain goes on and off and in and out
of presence

I am learning a new language
it’s the least I can do
striving to keep personhood
amidst apps and buttons and interfaces
the transformation into android human
apple human

we have to be both
thinking brains &
screen tappers

adapt/process/translate
download the update

– Laura Zaino