The computer sends

it pulse to the printer

which waits and waits

and then finally wakes up

then jerks and rolls its workings

and finally prints

the white page like a tongue

sticking out in defiance

 

the page given up reluctantly it seems

the printer was probably sleeping

and needed a nudge

a shot of electricity

to stir it from its hibernation

it preferred to sleep in silence

it never says much

unless the paper jams

and then it gets upset

and growls and coughs

 

the printer is an impressive thing

handsome in its appearance

so heavy so solid

yet it tries my patience

as it tries its luck by not obeying

my commands

 

next time I will pull its plug

out of the wall

cut off its blood supply

but who is really the boss

 

in the end we really

cannot control our devices

they control us

we are their slaves

living in fear they will not work

thankful for any kindness

they can show us.