The World is Online
Nothing happens if not online the permanent record the digital archive the proof of life without a photo it never happened yet I will leave no trace not use facebook nor try twitter no instant insta nor google search not immortalise my existence I am Joseph K or Michael K or one of countless others a shadow slipping through a crack between the floorboards remaining unheard unread unknown I will not be influenced by influencers served up to me on a slate screen not be addicted by the algorithm not be subject to advertising tailored to my circumstances tailored to manufacture wants and desires tailored to create consumption the warmth of anonymity cloaks my shoulders keeps me safe all interaction intermediated all calls straight to voice mail leaving no messages the charities the political parties the so-called research marketing by another name even the scammers have given up I leave the house and am invisible no one sees me all heads buried in devices on the bus no eyes meet no one speaks and I do not exist I am pleased what is there to learn in a world that already knows too much about everyone about everything I will inhabit hidden spaces underneath where the darkness hides me I will revel and I will sing
The Suit
While the norm is to damn,
take the lean with the crude,
yet the force of your kick
leaves the spring still afloat
in your breast as you walk,
though you lose on the floor.
At your desk wear a mask,
steal a mile while you feed,
in the ditch hear a boom
as the real takes a toll.
At the tail — press your will,
near the edge, seek to squash.
Show the flex of a duke
on the course that you graze,
hide the bleed as you dip,
dig the pile looking sharp,
still as well at the end
as you need, you must shine
on the shelf, on the rack
for your goal is to lie.
Rohan Buettel lives in Canberra, Australia. His haiku have appeared in various Australian and international journals (including Frogpond, Cattailsand The Heron’s Nest). His longer poetry most recently appears in The Elevation Review, Rappahannock Review, Penumbra Literary and Art Journal, Mortal Magazine, Passengers Journal, Reed Magazine, Meniscus and Quadrant. He rides a mountain bike, paddles a kayak and sings in a choir.